Question
I am in Miami florida and am in a constant war with cottony scale on my rose bushes. I hose them off with very strong water spray from my hose, but is that enough? Does that kill them or do they crawl back?
Thanks for your help!
Shoshana

Answer
Shoshana, spraying them with water is only a temporary solution.  To eradicate scale you must either use an insecticide or an organic solution such as insecticidal soap.  I personally start with the insecticidal soap and then use either pyrethrum or rotenone if the infestation worstens.  Both of these insecticide  products are derivatives of plants and are non-toxic to humans and pets.  They are highly effective against all insects.  You can purchase these at most garden centers or through companies such as Gardens Alive and Planet Natural.  Both companies have excellent websites and offer free catalogs.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike