hey, yes they are slightly raised. I agree they are probably scale. I wasn't sure because of the white colour. I think using rubbing alcohol would probably kill the plants, they are very sensitive to chemicals. Scraping them off is ok for one or two plants, but I have a fair few of them with this scale on them and it would take me weeks to scrape off all of them. What kind of horticultural oil would you recommend ? Thanks

Hort oil is not recommended for Tillandsias - it clogs the leaf scales (not the insect pests!!) through which the plant breathes and receives moisture and nutrients. The most often suggested method of control is to submerge the plants for a few minutes in a dilute insecticide solution - malathion is the active ingredient most often recommended. You may need to do this repeatedly ad 10-14 day increments until the infestation is eliminated.

I have used oil based products on Broms with success, but have always been shy to apply to tillandsia. Thanks for confirming. I will try an insecticide on a few and see what results. Cheers.

as to your title .. i am pretty sure.. scale are suckers.. not chewers ...

they suck vital fluid.. then that tissue dies.. and collapses ...

think also about treating them.. then isolating them .... if you get what i mean ... if not.. ask ...

ken