Scale Insect

*Coccoidea*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-4 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

GardensLandscapesIndoor plantsTreesShrubs

Taxonomic Group

Bug

Order

Hemiptera

Family

Coccoidea

Lifecycle

Scale insects have a simple life cycle consisting of egg, nymph (crawler), and adult stages. The adult female lays eggs, which hatch into tiny, mobile crawlers. These crawlers move to a suitable location on the host plant, settle, and begin feeding, at which point they form a protective waxy covering. The female then loses her legs and remains immobile for the rest of her life. Male scale insects, when present, develop wings and are mobile but do not feed and have a very short lifespan. Some species of scale insects can have multiple generations in a single year. Males also undergo pre-pupal and pupal stages before reaching adulthood.

Overwintering Strategy

Varies by species; some overwinter as eggs under the mother's protective scale, while others survive as immature, fertilized females in crevices on the host plant.

Native Range

Worldwide

Attracted By

Stressed plantsUnhealthy plantsSpecific host plants

Repelled By

Healthy plantsBeneficial insectsPredators

Organic Control Methods

Organic control of scale insects can be achieved through several methods. Manual removal using a soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in soapy water or 70% isopropyl alcohol is effective for light infestations. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can be sprayed on plants to suffocate or kill the crawler stage of the insects. It is also crucial to encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps by creating a hospitable environment for them. Since ants often protect scale insects to feed on their honeydew, controlling ant populations can also help in managing scale infestations.

Companion Planting

Planting a diversity of flowering plants can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which are natural predators of scale insects. This can help to keep scale populations in check without the use of chemical pesticides.