Tipping the Scale: Dealing with Mealybugs and Scale Insects

What are Scale Insects?
Mealybugs and scale insects are pests that feed on the sap of plants, which weakens them over time. As the scale insects feed, they secrete a sticky, sugary substance called "honeydew". When honeydew builds up on a plant, especially in a humid environment, sooty mold appears on the leaves and can severely affect the plant's ability to photosynthesize. 
Mealybugs and scale insects are naturally more attracted to crops like fruit trees (especially citrus fruit!), hibiscus, ornamental shrubs, and many, many common houseplants! 

How to Manage Scale in Susceptible Plants
Some of the most effective ways to manage scale in crops is by supporting the population of beneficial insects and also through specific organic inputs you can add to your garden. Read more below:

Biological Control: 
Luckily, there are a number of certain garden predators that love to have scale insects for dinner, namely lacewings and parasitic wasps! The best way to introduce these beneficials into your garden space is to support an environment they prefer through specific flowers that provide food and shelter.

Lacewing Attractants:

• Cosmos
• Goldenrod
• Yarrow
• Coreopsis

Parasitic Wasp Attractants:

• Dill
• Alyssum
• Fennel
• Zinnia

Organic Inputs:
What we have found most effective for caring for our lemon tree—which has been a victim to scale insects for over a year—is a solution of isopropyl alcohol mixed with a tablespoon of pure neem oil. This solution is rubbed on the leaves and stem of the plant, scraping off the scale insects during the application.