| Method | Recipe (Metric) | Application Frequency | Safe for Vegetable Plants | Safe for Ornamental Plants | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Neem Oil Spray | Mix 2-5 mL of neem oil with 1 liter of water | Every 7-14 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Apply in the early morning or late evening. |
| 🌿 Dish Soap Spray | Mix 5-10 mL of mild liquid dish soap in 1 liter of water | Every 5-7 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Use a mild, non-detergent soap. |
| 🌾 Alcohol Solution | Dab cotton swabs or balls in isopropyl alcohol (70%) and gently wipe scales | As needed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Test on a small area first to check for plant sensitivity. |
| 🍋 Citrus Oil Spray | Mix 15-20 mL of citrus essential oil in 1 liter of water | Every 7-14 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Citrus oil can deter scales with its aroma. |
| 💦 Water Spray | Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge scales | As needed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Focus on the undersides of leaves where scales hide. |
| 🍯 Honey Trap | Apply a sticky substance like honey on yellow cards or boards | Continuously monitor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Scales are attracted to the sticky surface. |
| 🐞 Beneficial Insects | Release ladybugs or parasitic wasps to prey on scales | As needed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | - Purchase beneficial insects from a local supplier. |
Additional Tips:
- Isolate infested plants to prevent scales from spreading.
- Prune and remove heavily infested plant parts to reduce scale populations.
- Maintain proper watering practices and plant health to discourage infestations.
- Monitor your plants regularly for signs of new scale infestations.
These natural and organic methods can help you control scale insects in both vegetable and ornamental plants effectively. Adjust the frequency of application based on the severity of the infestation and monitor your plants for signs of improvement.
