Focus on scale insects in your garden
Did you know that cochineal (red food dye) is made from a certain species of scale insect?
THERE are around 8,000 described species of scale insects around the world, ranging in size from only one or two millimetres to more than five millimetres.
Most species of scale insects are white in colour with a scale-like protective coating which is actually a special waxy substance secreted by the insect for protection.
However, there are also brown scale insects which often look like nothing more than a natural defect in the plant.
When scale insects first hatch, they are called crawlers, because at this point they have legs and are able to walk. They will often walk to the edges of their host plant and wait for the wind to blow them off and hopefully land on another suitable host plant where they can feed. Some species of scale insects rely on ants to translocate them from one food plant to another. But once these insects have found their spot, they then begin to feed off the sap from their host plant, soon shedding their exoskeleton. At this point the female scale insect becomes immobile, no longer having legs. However, in most species males never lose their legs and some even develop wings, enabling them to fly in search of a mate. Once mature, male scale insects only live a day or two.
Many species of scale insects can become serious crop pests and their scaly exterior actually protects them against many spray-on insecticides. However some species are vitally important for keeping some alien invasive plants under control. Scale insects are not all bad.
Did you know that cochineal (red food dye) is made from a certain species of scale insect? I would like to meet the person who first squashed a cochineal scale insect and thought ‘those guts would make great colouring for my cupcakes’.
How to get rid of scale insects on my plants:
The best method is to prune off badly infested branches, or simply to brush off the insects with a soft brush, or scratch them off with your finger nail. Insects such as ladybirds and lacewings should be cultivated in the garden, as they also eat large numbers of scale insects. There are also certain natural plant-derived oils such as tea tree oil which can be used to control a scale insect outbreak. Remember that insecticide is never the solution. Use Google to find more details about environmentally friendly pest control solutions. We are lucky to have a whole wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, if only we use it.
If you would like to have your bugs, spiders or even snakes identified or relocated, Whatsapp or call Warren Dick on 072-211-0353.
