Citrus
Soft scale insects small and covered with a waxy-like unseparated layer of secretion. They are usually found on many crops, but have a slight preference for citrus. Female soft scale insects search for feeding spots on plant parts, including foliage, twigs, and fruits. The eggs are laid underneath the female soft scale body. Though, females have the ability to translocate to new feeding spots. Heavy feeding causes sooty mold on excreted honeydew and can reduce photosynthesis.
Sanitation: Cut off and destroy heavily affected leaves.
The sooner the better: It is easier and more cost effective to overcome infestations during the initial stage. Make a routine to monitor the field regularly and search plants for the presence of soft scale insects.
The following are a few generic names of products found throughout large parts of the world: Imidacloprid, acetamiprid, spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor, and pyriproxyfen
Summer oil can be applied.
Soft scale insects have many natural predators, many of which are wasps and include: Tetrastichus ceroplastes, Microterys flavus, Scutellista caerulea, Moranila Californica, Metaphycus lounsburyi, and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri.
Important note: Honeydew attracts ants which may interfere with the biological control of some parasites.
*Names marked in red are considered to be highly poisonous to beneficial insects
*Names marked in green are considered to be IPM (integrated pest management) compatible
*Names marked in red are considered to be highly poisonous to beneficial insects.
*Names marked in green are considered to be organic and IPM (integrated pest management) compatible.