Question
I have a lovely fiscus or fig tree.  However, I have noticed small brown cocoon like shells on the bark. A sticky clear substance is oozing.  There are more on the limbs today, than there were last week...I do not see any bugs....help....thank you

Answer
Hi Debbie,

Actually you do see bugs. You just don't recognize them as such.

Scale insects are translucent and nearly invisible when they are young and crawl along leaf stems an leaves. As they mature, they develop a hard, brown outer shell covering for protection and then stay in that place without moving. Under the shell they suck sap from the tree and then secrete a sticky substance called honeydew. They do reproduce in a favorable environment and will spread throughout the tree and possibly to other nearby plants.

To treat them safely and effectively you will need to mix a spray solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid soap. The key is to spray all leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. This is a messy job, but essential otherwise you will miss direct contact with some of the scale and they will reproduce and come back and haunt you in a few months.

Ficus trees benefit from regular pruning and spring is a particularly good time to prune. I suggest that your prune your tree back by as much as one-third before spraying because that will make the spraying that much easier.

I have written articles on plant pests and on Ficus tree care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends 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  www.HorticulturalHelp.com