waxy covering which resembles a fish scale or plate of armor, hence their name. Adult males are tiny, winged gnat-like insects and are rarely seen. Armored scales do not secrete honeydew.

Soft scales also secrete a waxy covering, but it is attached to their bodies. They also vary widely in color, shape, and size. Because they consume so much plant sap, they secrete a sugary substance called honeydew. The honey actually damages the plant as well, as it cause a fungus called “sooty mold” to grow on it, coating the tops of leaves, interfering with photosynthesis and making the plant visually unattractive. Pests such as ants are also attracted to and love to eat the sweet, sticky honeydew.

Habitat:
Several species of scale insects commonly infest plants in the garden, greenhouse or home. Virtually every woody plant is subject to attack by one or more species of scale. Some scale attack only a few species of closely related plants, while other species infest a wide variety of plants.

On many ornamental plants, scale insects are the most serious pests, and most ornamentals are susceptible to one or more species of scale. Scale cause damage by sucking the juices and essential nutrients from the plants. They can often be found feeding on the underside of leaves, usually along the leaf veins, causing yellow spots to appear on top. If the scales are not controlled, leaves may drop prematurely, sometimes killing portions of twigs and branches. Scales also feed on the trunk and stems of plants.

Control:
Scale insects are difficult to control. There is no easy, sure-fire cure for a scale infestation. One possibility is to pick off individual scales or gently scrub (or rub) the scales loose from the leaves and stems. This can be time-consuming and may only work on small, large-leafed plants. Dabbing each scale with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab is another possibility on lightly infested plants. Also, be sure plants are free of scales before they are placed in the production area of a nursery. Scales cannot fly, and therefore do not readily infest plants as do most other insects.

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