Question
OOps, I forgot to add this in... Is rubbing alcohol at all toxic to the plant?  I am looking for the least toxic method for the plant & creatures. And, In the past I've swabbed off scale to physically remove it after spraying it(at the time with insecticidal soap). Why did you not mention that as part of the treatment?
Ti

Answer
Hi Ti,

Diluted rubbing alcohol (5 parts water, 1 part alcohol) is not toxic to Schefflera or most other indoor plants.

None of the treatments I have mentioned are toxic to plants or people or pets. However, they are toxic to the insect pests being treated because that is the purpose of using them.

Insecticidal soap is not as effective in treating scale because it does not break down the hard outer shell of the scale as effectively as the other products I mentioned. It is safe to use and can be effective if you are willing to do a lot of wiping.

I have written an article on treating indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com