Hi, need advice on controlling a scale infestation on a Rhapis Palm. The palm lives in a large pot on an apartment balcony in full shade. I have been treating the infestation by spraying neem oil once a week for 8 weeks and removing the scale by hand, however the problem is not getting any better. The scale is covered in a white powdery substance that the ants love.
Please any suggestions on how to tackle this? and ideal neem oil spray dilution rate.
thank you in advance.
Rachel
Hi Rachel
Scale is a real problem on all palms. This is a soft scale, it secretes a sticky sweet liquid called 'honey dew'. Ants love Honeydew and that is why you have so many ants on your plant.
Neem Oil Spray has proven to be effective against soft scale, you will need to read the pack for the correct dilution rate and if you cant find it on the bottle call the manufacturer. The other alternative is to use a systemic insecticide, this is more effective but may not suit you as it is much more toxic. Bug Killa granules can be sprinkled around the plant on soil surface. The plant will take up the chemicals and poison the scale, it is very effective.