Question
I'm caring for a ficus tree, which has 1) what appears to be scale on the bark and 2) on the underneath of leaves - a white fuzzy sticky "dot."   The tree has new growth, but in the areas where there is the highest concentrations of the "dots" the new groth dies off.  What is the best way to care for it? it is old and about 6' tall in a pot. Thank you.

Answer
Cheryl:
If you are sure that you have scale insect in both cases, you can look at a product called BAYER ADVANCED TREE AND SHRUB INSECT CONTROL.  It comes in a blue bottle and available at many garden centers and nurseries. It is a liquid and is mixed with water and applied to the soil. Be sure to read the mixing instructions carefully. There is a recipe for plants in pots on the label. Keep in mind that scale insects often DO NOT fall off the plant when they die, so you will have to monitor any new ones forming after you put the insecticide in the soil. It will take a while for it to kick in, but will last several months.  The material contains Imidachloprid- which is the active ingredient.  Keep in mind also, that if you have just a few scale insects on your plant that appear manageable, you can just physically remove them. There is another option to think about and that is spraying your plant (Outside- of course)with an insecticidal soap. This is available at garden centers too.

Check with your garden center for there suggestions. If you use a spray, be sure to spray outside, let the plant dry before bringing it back inside. Always read the label first.

Enjoy

Steve