Scale insects
PEST
When it's active · UK
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Northern Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Central Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
JFMAMJJASOND
How to recognise it
Small, immobile brown or waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides, often with sticky honeydew and sooty mould developing beneath them.
Life cycle and conditions
Active year-round on houseplants in heated rooms; outdoors, most active spring to autumn, with juvenile 'crawler' stages easiest to control.
Prevention
Inspect new plants before bringing them home, and check susceptible plants regularly, especially in still, sheltered spots.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Wipe or scrape off light infestations by hand, or treat with a horticultural soap or plant oil spray — both smother the insects without lasting harm to pollinators or predators once dry.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
Systemic insecticides are a last resort for heavy, persistent infestations that soap or oil sprays haven't cleared after repeated attempts.
IN THE CARE SHEETS
Camellia