Scale

Scale: Small, insect pests that attach to plant stems and leaves appear as raised bumps or spots.

Imagine scale insects as tiny, armored barnacles clinging to your plants. They’re like miniature invaders, attaching themselves to stems and leaves, sucking out plant juices. They often look like little bumps or spots, sometimes mistaken for plant diseases.

Scale insects can be a real nuisance in a home garden, weakening plants and making them more susceptible to other problems. It’s like having tiny vampires draining the life out of your plants. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold. It is like they are throwing a sticky party that other pests love to attend.

To combat scale, scrape them off with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be effective. It’s like sending in a tiny cleanup crew to evict the invaders. Regular inspections of your plants can help you catch scale infestations early, before they become a major problem. It is like being a vigilant plant bodyguard.

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