How to Identify Barnacle Scales / Wax Scales
These unusual bugs hang out on your stems and under your leaves without moving. Scale insects suck the life out of stems and leaves, weakening your plant if the infestation gets out of hand. They may also release a sweet sticky substance
known as honeydew (similar to aphids) which can attract ants and cause dark patches of sooty
mold to appear on your plant. Luckily, scales aren”’t the worst bugs for cannabis plants as they are relatively easy to remove, but you should get rid of them as soon as you notice them.
Wax scale insects are like barnacles on your plants. They gather on your stems and leaves but basically stop moving once they find a spot they like.
Some scales prefer to live on stems while others prefer leaves. These red scales have made themselves right at home on these marijuana leaves
Scales can look like different things even though they all act the same. Some scale insects look like round growths on the plant, while others actually look like bugs
All scale-like insects don’t move around a whole lot after they get established. They just sort of hang out and steal energy from your plant.
If you see bugs that look similar but are white and crawling around, you actually have mealybugs
Solutions to Scale Insects
The way to treat barnacles or scale insects is almost exactly the same as what you would do for aphids.
1.) Remove all barnacle scales with a power sprayer
To start, remove all bugs from your plant. A One-Hand Pressure Sprayer works well for this. You can also remove infected parts of the plant. But, a power sprayer can remove 99% of them.
For better results, use an insecticide while spraying. This kills bugs and protects your plant from future attacks.
2.)Insecticidal soaps
Fatty acid salts or insecticidal soaps are good against barnacles and wax scale insects. They weaken the scales’ outer shell. These are safe for your plants and don’t leave a residue.
Make sure to cover all areas well. Soaps don’t stay on plants long, so you might need to spray again. But, be careful not to get any on your buds!
3.) Neem Oil
Neem Oil can make buds taste bad, so keep it away from them. It’s also not safe for humans. But, it’s natural and works well against many bugs and mold, including scales.
You’ll need a mister to spray leaves evenly. Neem oil and water can separate easily.
4.) Spinosad (not for commercial growers)
Spinosad Products are safe and organic. They’re safe for pets, kids, and plants. Spray it everywhere you see scales, especially under leaves.
It might kill some scales right away. But, their hard shell makes them resistant. Try to cover all vegetation well. It’s safe for plants, animals, and humans!
Recommended: Monterey Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad
Spinosad is made from soil bacteria. It kills scales by affecting their nervous system. It’s good for organic and outdoor growers because it’s toxic to barnacles and scales but safe for many beneficial insects.
Note:Most spinosad products work for about 24 hours. Only mix what you need for each application. Leftover will be waste.
WARNING:Commercial growers click here!
You’ll need a mister to spray leaves evenly with spinosad products.
5.) Essentria IC3
Essentria IC3 Insecticide is organic and safe for humans. It’s marketed as a bed bug killer but works against broad mites or russet mites. It only lasts about 8 hours, so you might need to apply it daily or with other options. Use a mister to spray all leaves evenly.
6.) Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings eat scales. They’re good for your garden. You can buy ladybugs, but they might fly away soon.
But, scales can reproduce a lot. Natural enemies might not be enough to control them. Still, they’re safe for your garden.