Question
Hi Will,
I have 3  14' Ficus Nitida (indoors) that are moderately infested with scale.  I applied Marathon 2 weeks ago, and simultaneously sprayed w/ Neem oil.  Some scale survived.  What do you recommend to spray on these trees - I cannot climb them or reach all limbs to apply anything by hand, so it will have to be sprayed.  Alcohol mix?  Thx, Halla

Answer
Halla,

I apologize for my carelessly leaving out scale from my original reply. Brand X works equally well on both scale and mealybug. I hop that clarifies it for you.

Will


Hi Halla,

Are these trees at a commercial account? If so, do you have a pesticide applicator's llicense?

Marathon is effective against scale, but only if you get complete coverage of all stems and leaves. That is a big, messy job for trees that size and requires lots of protection from the runoff. If you applied the Marathon as a soil drench, it will not reach as high as 14 feet.

Neem oil is moderately effective, but also requires very thorough coverage.

If Marathon and Neem properly applied don't work, the  alcohol won't either. The best non-toxic treatment for scale or mealybug is called Brand X foliage cleaner (Yes, that's for real). It is available through Southwest Plantscape Products in California (www.southwestplantscape.com ). Their phone is 1-800-333-7977. It is a silicon-based product so it is very slippery and must be kept off of hard walking surfaces.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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