Question
I have a mature Ficus tree that is doing well in our Brooklyn apartment in front of an East window.  The first week I brough it home from the store I noticed one or two black dots on the leaves underneath.  The dots did not move and I did not worry about them but then they multiplied. I would cut the leaves with dots on them off with a scissors but somehow they just keep reappearing.  If I don't do anything they gradually multiply and there are more and more of them.  Should I worry about this?  I don't think these are bugs - I have checked pretty carefully and they do not move.  I don't know where they came from.  I really don't like the way they look.  Do you know what they are?

Answer
Erica,

Yes, it is an insect called scale.  You need to use a Q-tip dipped in straight rubbing alcohol and flick each
scale off the leaf. Then fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray the plant, tops and bottoms of all leaves every 3-4 days for 3 weeks to kill any eggs that hatch. You have to be persistent to be successful. Then keep a close watch for any future signs of scale and begin the process at the first sign of the insect. The infant stage of scale looks like tiny white gnats. This insect can spread to other house plants (although they have their favorites so it is not real likely) so watch them also. Good luck.

Darlene