Schefflera has pest(s)

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Is this all scale or scale plus other? Looks like 3 different bugs have taken up residence on this Schefflera...a gift that came with company I didn't know I had.

I cheched it only after discovering "fuzz" on an Adenium. The Adenium was beside the Schefflera for 2 days.

See Adenium post here:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/3778730/please-help-white-stuff-at-flower-base?n=4

I have isolated & washed both plants (gently scrubbed down, scraping off all scale) with dishwashing liquid and water. This is the method I successfully used to eliminate that round, red scale from a Marginata a few years ago.

I checked them today and they seem to be doing just fine. The Schefflera still had a couple of scale insects on its leaves and I removed those. Will re-treat tomorrow with soap and water.

Your recommendations for treating the issue now and for eliminating the problem from recurring in the future are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

- Maria Elena

Featured Answer

wisconsitom

10 years ago

Maria, I think a lot of that is mealy bug, a type of scale insect. Your detergent/hand washing them off is good, and rubbing alcohol can work too. The problem in controlling them, as you may have guessed, is getting some control product through all that cottony stuff. Systemic insecticides can work, but then you're using powerful synthetic insecticides for a plant that I'm guessing lives in your house with you. I don't favor such. I wonder about neem. Maybe someone else here will chime in. I used to control this insect years ago using insecticidal soap and Sunspray oil, mixed together. Control was just OK however, not great.

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Comments (6)

Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Hi, Tom - Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

We don't have any plants inside the house because that attracts spiders and ants (several varieties) in this climate. Everything is kept in the yards / gardens surrounding the house. I keep my "special" plants (jades, begonias, several cactus & succulents) on the front porch, frequently bringing in (from the yard to the porc

) a potted flowering Amaryllis. I'm constantly on the lookout for spider mites. The Schefflera has been on one side of front porch steps. I don't see anything on a Rubber Tree that's right next to that so I think we got it in time.

I sprinkled the soil with Bonide systemic & watered it in ... it's worked fairly well for me over the years. I will keep up with hand washing the plants for now and will purchase an insecticidal soap if it's necessary. I've just started working with Adeniums and I don't want those plants to be damaged. I'm still learning about fungus and all the little things that affect these plants.

I think now you can understand my concern with creeping things...they can suck the life out of all of these plants.

Thanks again ... Have a wonderful weekend.

- Maria Elena
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Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
Original Author
10 years ago
Good new! It seems the "bath" I gave this plant was sufficient. There has been no recurrence of scale or mealy bugs. The foliage is growing as usual with no damage.
wisconsitom
10 years ago
You might find that natural enemies of the mealy bug will control them outdoors. Now inside under glass-that's another story! Truly miserable insect problem to deal with indoors. Bravo-hope you continue to have good luck, the natural way!
Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a) thanked wisconsitom
Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi, Tom!

I thought of introducing them, then wondered why I've never seen lady bugs in the garden. I think they have no chance between the geckos, tiny tree frogs (coqui) & perhaps Sphinx moths.
wisconsitom
10 years ago
Heh, you could be right! For that matter, I'm not even sure if such insects exist where you live. Good luck with the "soft" controls. They're much better in the long run. Maybe read up on Neem tree oil as well. Not sure, but that stuff seems to be useful for many issues.
Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a) thanked wisconsitom