Scale insects are feared plant pests that do not stop at aloe vera. Since the lice are a maximum of six millimeters long, the infestation is often overlooked in the early stages. That's why you should pay close attention when checking the leaves.
How do you recognize and combat scale insects on aloe vera?
Scale insects on aloe vera can be recognized by small brown spots and sticky honeydew on the leaves. To combat them, you can prick the lice with a toothpick or wash them off with water and a toothbrush. Regular inspection and proper care help prevent infestation.
How do I recognize scale insect infestation on Aloe vera?
Scale insects appear assmall brown spotson the leaves of aloe vera. At the beginning of the infestation, the “spots” appear sporadically. As the infestation pressure increases, they become increasingly closer together.
Another indication is the so-called honeydew. This is a sticky substance that the plant lice excrete. Since scale insects prefer to settle on the underside of the leaves, you should check them regularly.
How can I fight scale insects on aloe vera?
Themost important measureagainst scale insect infestation on aloe vera is to combat the pestsearly. Proven control measures are:
- Prick lice with a toothpick
- Brush scale insects with water and a toothbrush
Since the lice feed on the plant sap, the houseplant becomes more and more weakened as the infestation pressure increases. As a result, the chances of rescue worsen.
How do I prevent scale insect infestation on aloe vera?
The best way to prevent scale insect infestation iscorrect careof aloe vera. In addition, thelocation should correspond to the needs of the plant.
The plague can occur all year round. However, the greatest risk of scale insect infestation is in winter and spring. Therefore, you should check the plant regularly throughout the year.
Tip
Isolate aloe vera with scale insects
Scale insects not only suck the sap of aloe vera, but also like to eat many houseplants. To prevent the plague from spreading to other plants, you should immediately isolate the infected aloe and check neighboring potted plants for infestation.