What homemade solution kills scale insects effectively?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Effective scale control procedures are provided by homemade products that do not involve the use of harsh chemicals. Recipes for these mixtures have been perfected over years of battling the insect. They operate to effect the suffocation of the scales' hats and, in other cases, destroy the protective covering. The remedy should be first applied to a single leaf, and if no injury appears within twenty-four hours, it may be used on the entire plant.
Basic Soap Spray
- Mix 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap per quart of water
- Shake vigorously until solution appears milky
- Spray directly on scales until fully coated
Neem Oil Blend
- Combine 2 teaspoons neem oil with 1 teaspoon soap
- Add to 1 quart warm water and emulsify thoroughly
- Apply at dusk to prevent leaf burn
Alcohol Boost Formula
- Mix 1 cup 70% isopropyl alcohol with 1 quart water
- Include 1 tablespoon neem oil for enhanced penetration
- Use cotton swabs for precise application
Garlic-Pepper Repellent
- Steep 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon cayenne in hot water
- Strain after cooling and add 1 teaspoon soap
- Spray weekly as preventive treatment
Safety Precautions
- Avoid strong sunlight after application
- Discontinue if plants show stress signs
- Keep away from children and pets
Correct application is essential for effective homemade sprays. Use them to coat all leaf surfaces, including the underside where the scales dwell. Spray bottles should produce a fine mist, not heavy streams. I apply treatments when the weather is cooler, between 6 and 8 PM, to avoid sunburn. Reapply after rain or watering.
It is essential to know your limitations. Home remedies are most effective for soft scales and crawlers. Armored scales often require the penetration of alcohol. For severe infestations, it is recommended to combine hand cleaning with the use of sprays. My ficus treatment consisted of swabbing daily with alcohol, plus a weekly neem drench.
The storage of a product will influence its activity. Neem mixtures will only last 48 hours at most before they separate. Store any unused portions in opaque containers away from light. Clearly label containers with their contents and the date they were filled. I keep small batches of the mixtures in spray containers and use them as needed, discarding the remainder every week.
These natural approaches are safe for the garden ecosystem. Unlike chemicals, homemade sprays can be used without harming beneficial insects. Do not spray on open flowers to save the bees. My organic vegetable garden does wonderfully well using these remedies without endangering the health of pollinators or the soil.
Read the full article: Scale Insect Treatment Methods Explained
