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How to Kill Scale Eggs

Scales are small insects in the order Hemiptera that can cause serious damage to trees, plants, leaves and shrubs by removing vital plant fluids from their hosts using their sucking mouth parts. Plants that are heavily infested with scale insects may be discolored or have blemished leaves, fruits or branches. If you notice any of these signs on your plants, treat them immediately before any damage is done.

Things You'll Need

Horticultural oil spray

Instructions

- 1
  Isolate plants that are infested with scale insects from your other plants, if possible. Put them in a part of your home away from other plants until you are sure the infestation is gone.
- 2
  Purchase a horticulture oil spray from your local home and garden center. Horticulture oil is a safe and nontoxic way to kill scale insects and their eggs.
- 3
  Spray the horticulture oil spray on every part of your plant. Pay special attention to the underside of leaves where scale insects like to hide their eggs.
- 4
  Check your plants regularly for scale insects and their eggs. Isolate and immediately treat any plants you find with the pests.
- 5
  Maintain healthy plants through proper watering, fertilizing and pruning. This will deter scale insects from inhabiting your plants.

Insects & Science