Scale Insects Control & Removal Guide
(Mealybugs, Soft scales, Giant mealybug)*Drosicha corpulenta* / Coccidae
How They Get In
- Newly purchased plants carry scale insects and eggs; crawlers on leaf undersides are easily missed.
- Crawlers from community landscaping trees and shrubs crawl or blow onto balcony plants.
- Crawlers enter through open windows with air currents and dust.
- Plants in close contact share infestations through touching leaves and shared tools.
How to Get Rid of Them
- Pre-Treatment: Isolate heavily infested plants. Physically remove scales with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in soapy water. Prune severely infested branches. Move plants outdoors or to a ventilated balcony.;
- Key Zones: Stem surfaces (both sides), leaf undersides along midribs, pot soil surface and rim, balcony plant cluster area, windowsill gaps.;
- Application: Hold sprayer 20-30cm away. Spray stems and both leaf surfaces evenly. Focus on leaf undersides. Lightly spray pot soil surface. Spray pot rims.;
- Post-Treatment: Let dry in ventilated area. Avoid spraying under direct midday sun. Do not water for 1-2 hours. Repeat at 7-day intervals for crawler stages.;
- Prevention: Quarantine new plants 2-4 weeks. Inspect stems and leaf undersides regularly. Maintain plant spacing and good ventilation.
Prevention & Follow-Up
Check stems and leaf undersides regularly. If you find scale insects, scrub them off with a soft brush or a damp cotton swab dipped in soapy water. Isolate heavily infested plants right away so the problem does not spread to the rest of your plants. In winter, clear dead leaves and plant debris from your balcony to reduce overwintering pests. Space your plants so air circulates freely between them. Keep new plants in quarantine for 2–4 weeks—only move them into your plant collection once you are sure they are pest-free.