Pest infestation on hydrangeas is always annoying. Scale insects can be particularly stubborn because they are well protected under their shield and can reproduce undisturbed. In this article you will find out how you can successfully combat the little animals and prevent them in the future.
What can I do against scale insects on hydrangeas?
You can recognize a scale insect infestation not only by the small animals themselves, but also by a sticky coating on the leaves of the plant, leaves turning yellow or brown, or ants. You can combat the pests by collecting them or using a mixture of water and soft soap.
How do I recognize a scale insect infestation on hydrangeas?
Scale insects are a subspecies of aphids. The female representatives of the small pests form a kind ofshield made of waxthat protects them and their eggs. They usually sit on or under the leaves of a plant or in the leaf axils. But you can also discover them on the shoots. The little animals, which are only 3 millimeters long, pierce the leaves with their biting tool and suck out the plant sap. An infestation can be recognized more clearly than the animals themselves by the following appearances on a plant:
- a sticky coating on the leaves and around the plant, the so-called honeydew, which the lice secrete
- small brown formations on the shoots and leaves of the plant
- yellow or brown colored leaves
- Ants on and around the plant, feeding on the honeydew of scale insects
What works best against scale insects on hydrangeas?
Once you have identified a scale insect infestation, you should act immediately to prevent it from spreading further. First, if possible, you shouldisolate the plant from other plantsYou can move hydrangeas in the pot to another location so that the lice cannot infect other plants.
Then you should try to collect the liceUse your fingers, if necessary a knife or a damp cloth is helpful. If the infestation has already progressed too far, you can spray the plant with amixture of water and soapy water or water and oil. You should only use chemical pesticides in extreme emergencies.
Tip
Protect hydrangeas from scale insect infestation
The best way to prevent an infestation is to always inspect newly purchased plants for pests immediately. Because we usually bring them into the house or garden through new purchases. You should also check your plants regularly. Also pay attention to the correct location and proper care of your hydrangeas. Strong plants are more resilient and can protect themselves better.
