Look out for scale insects in your garden
Some species of scale insects rely on ants to translocate them from one food plant to another and once these insects have found their spot they begin to feed off the sap from the host plant.
THERE are about 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,” says Warren Dick.
“However, there are also brown scale insects that 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 and once these insects have found their spot they begin to feed off the sap from the host plant. They then shed their exoskeleton and 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.
According to Warren, 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?”
How to get rid of scale insects on your 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 certain natural plant derived oils such as tea tree oil that can be used to control a scale insect outbreak. Remember that insecticide is never the solution.
Contact Warren on 072 211 0353 to have your bugs, spiders or snakes identified or relocated.
