4 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

4 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Several house plants and some herbaceous perennials are attacked, particularly weeping fig, shefflera, hibiscus, and aralia.

The adult femalescales will look like brown bumps often mistaken for buds while the nymphs are almost transparent, flat, and oval. This scale produces honeydew, which makes the plant feel sticky. If honeydew is produced in quanity, a sooty mold (black in color) may grow on the honeydew. However, weeping fig also produces a clear, sticky substance at the base of its leaves which can be mistaken for honeydew.

Indoors the scale soon have various stages of their life cycle going on at the same time. For example eggs may be being laid while crawlers are moving about and some adults are settling down on the plant. This can go on year round since there is no major variation to indoor growing conditions.

On house plants, rub off or crush the scales as soon as they are seen. Check plants daily. Wash plants safely and frequently. Some systemichouse plant insecticides are effective against this scale.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
Visit site >>

Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
Visit site >>

U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
Visit site >>

U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
Visit site >>