What Is Armored Scale and How to Deal with It?

As a plant lover, you may have encountered pesky scales at one point or another. They appear as small bumps on the stems, leaves, and fruits of various plants, draining their sap and causing wilting and discoloration. However, not all scales are created equal. Some species, such as armored scale, pose a greater threat to your greenery than others.

Understanding Armored Scale

Armored scale belongs to the insect family Diaspididae and includes over 1500 species. These tiny creatures are oval-shaped and about 2-3mm long, with a hard, shell-like covering that conceals their soft bodies. The armor protects them from predators, pesticides, and other external factors, making them challenging to control.

Armored scale feeds by inserting its piercing-sucking mouthparts into the plant tissue and withdrawing fluids. This can cause stunted growth, leaf drop, defoliation, and even death in severe cases. They also excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes fungal growth, further weakening the plant's health.

Identifying Armored Scale Infestation

The first step in dealing with armored scale is to recognize its presence. Since they are small and well-camouflaged, it's easy to mistake them for part of the plant. However, there are a few signs that can help you distinguish them:

• Small, round bumps on the leaves, branches, or fruits, often covered in a waxy coating;
• Yellowing or browning of the affected area;
• Presence of black, sooty mold on the honeydew residue;
• In severe cases, wilting, dieback, and plant death.

If you suspect an armored scale infestation, perform a simple test by scraping off the bump with your fingernail or a knife. If the inner body is soft and squishy, it's likely a soft scale. But if it's hard and armored, you're dealing with the infamous armored scale.

Controlling Armored Scale

Now that you know what you're up against, how can you get rid of armored scale? There are several methods you can try, depending on the severity of the infestation:

Manual Removal

If the scale population is still low, you can physically remove them using a soft-bristled brush, cotton swab, or toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol or a soap-water solution. Gently scrub the affected areas until the scales come off, then rinse the plant thoroughly with water. Be sure to dispose of the removed scales properly to prevent re-infestation.

Manual removal of armored scale with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Natural Predators

Another way to control armored scale is to introduce their natural enemies, such as parasitic wasps, ladybugs, lacewings, or predatory mites. These insects feed on the scales and prevent their reproduction, reducing the population over time. You can purchase them online or from specialized nurseries and release them onto your plants.

Parasitic wasps are natural predators of armored scale.

Chemical Sprays

For severe infestations, you may need to resort to chemical sprays. However, be cautious when using them, as they can harm beneficial insects, pollinators, and even yourself if not applied correctly. Choose a pesticide that specifically targets armored scale, and follow the instructions carefully. Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, and avoid spraying during windy or rainy weather.

Chemical sprays can be effective but should be used with caution.

Preventing Armored Scale Infestation

As with most pests, prevention is key when it comes to armored scale. Here are some tips to keep your plants healthy and scale-free:

• Clean your tools and pots regularly to avoid spreading scale from one plant to another;
• Inspect new plants before bringing them home, and quarantine them for a few weeks to ensure they don't carry any pests;
• Provide optimal growing conditions for your plants, such as adequate sunlight, moisture, and nutrients, to boost their immunity;
• Encourage natural predators by planting flowers and herbs that attract them, such as calendula, dill, fennel, and yarrow;
• Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation and take action immediately if you spot any.

Armored scale may sound like a formidable enemy, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can overcome it and protect your plants. Whether you opt for manual removal, natural predators, or chemical sprays, be sure to act promptly and cautiously, and always prioritize the health and safety of your greenery.

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