what is scale?

Well, let's just say that if your cactus starts to look like it's covered in tiny, hard-shell tacos, you might have a scale problem. Do the scale test: if you can gently remove the stubborn white dots (that look like the photo above) with your nail, it’s most likely scale.

Scale is the most common pest for cacti, this insects can infest cacti by being brought in on new plants, carried in by other insects, or present in the surrounding environment.

Scale insects infest cacti and feed on the plant's sap, potentially causing skin damage or even death if left untreated. These insects can appear as small cream bumps or discolorations on the plant's surface, and they can be easy to remove if you get to them early otherwise this process can become long-winded once they become established.

Prevention

To prevent scale infestations, it's important to keep the cactus in a ventilated and bright environment and to regularly inspect it for signs of insect activity. New cuttings are going to be weaker, thus more at risk of infestations. Prevent future outbreaks by isolating new plants for 2 weeks when you bring them home and inspect new plants carefully before introducing them to the rest of the mob.
Control ants where possible, these mobile insects like to spread scale from plant to plant. Remember, monitoring is key to fast detection and treatment.

CRITICAL TREATMENT TIPS

• Isolate infested plants when possible and consider treating all plants in the area.

• In extreme cases, it’s best to use a topical treatment and a systemic treatment both at once, this way you can physically remove the visible insects and treat the soil to minimise reproduction.

• Don’t allow your cactus to sit in the sun after any topical treatment, its skin will be sensitive and can burn easily. Leave your prickly guy out of the sun for a week, and rinse off the treatment 10 minutes after to remove residue.

• Avoid treating your cactus with topical treatments during early morning or evening, LATE MORNING IS BEST, on an overcast day.

• Cover topically treated plants (that can’t be moved into the shade) with a flyscreen for protection for 1-2 weeks while the cactus skin is sensitive.

• SYSTEMIC TREATMENTS: MOVE INDOOR PLANTS OUTDOORS (IF POSSIBLE), WHERE THEY GET ACCESS TO RAIN, AND SHADE WITH FLYSCREEN IF IN THE SUN. HOSE DOWN WEEKLY AND SATURATE THE PLANT. ALLOWING DEEP WATERING AND RAIN WILL SPEED UP THE ABSORPTION OF THE SYSTEMIC TREATMENT AND THE VENTIVATION OUTDOORS WILL ALSO HELP DETER NEW SPOTS OCCURRING. MOVE BACK INDOORS IN 4-5 WEEKS OR WHEN SCALE STOPS SPREADING.

3 ways to
remove scale:

We suggest choosing one topical treatment method first, and if the scale returns, treat with a topical and systemic treatment at phase 2. New small dots accumulating after a treatment will showcase that a second (or third!) treatment is needed.

1. Topical application of 100% Isopropyl Alcohol

   Firstly, mix your 100% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with water. You want to maintain a 50/50 ratio. Unscented Isopropyl alcohol is a must. Dip a cotton bud, soft bristle toothbrush or paint brush, in your mix and apply. Don’t go crazy with the application, only apply to infected areas to avoid dehydrating your plant. Pay attention to all those nooks and crannies, as you'll want to remove as many of the insects and their egg masses as possible to prevent re-infestation. Rinse off residue 10 minutes after treatment.
   NB: METHOD IS CV TESTED, A CACTUS VISON RECOMMENDED TACTIC FOR BEGINNERS.
   

2. Topical application of NATURAL insecticidal soap

   Pet and Bee friendly. A gentle yet effective way to control scale insects when applied directly to the infested areas of the plant. This soap works by disrupting the insects' cell membranes, causing them to dehydrate and die.
   NB: METHOD IS CV TESTED, A CACTUS VISON RECOMMENDED TACTIC FOR BEGINNERS.
   

3. Systemic treatment with imidacloprid

   Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that is absorbed by the plant and distributed throughout its tissues. This makes it an effective option for controlling scale insects that are difficult to reach with topical applications. Imidacloprid is available in a variety of formulations, including granules, water-soluble concentrate, and soil drench. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label and use caution when applying this chemical, as it can be harmful to humans and pets.
   Nb: When we called to investigate, suppliers noted that they’re uncertain if this pesticide affects bee populations, stating that it’s “inconclusive”. Use when plants are not in bloom or remove flowers after treatment to avoid harming the ecosystem. Kind of a last-resort option.

Be mindful that chemical treatments can be harmful to cactus plants if not used cautiously, and they should be used as a last resort for eradicating scale. Before attempting any chemical treatments, it's a good idea to try physical removal methods first.

Just be patient and consistent in your efforts, as it may take a few treatments over several months to completely eradicate the scale infestation.

WHY WE DON’T USE A TOPICAL APPLICATION OF HORTICULTURAL OILS
Horticultural oils, such as Neem oil, can be great for removal scale naturally, in theory. These oils work by smothering the insects and disrupting their ability to feed. HOWEVER, IT IS EASY TO BURN THE SKIN OF YOUR PLANT USING OILS LIKE NEEM OIL. USE WITH CAUTION. CACTUS VISION PREFERS TO USE INSECTICIDAL SOAP OR ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL AS OUR TOPICAL REMOVAL METHODS.

TREATMENT BRANDS
FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

Attention, cactus enthusiasts! If you’re still reading, you’re probably dealing with pesky scale insects on your beloved cactus RIGHT NOW. Fear not, use these two products to smother, dehydrate, or otherwise vanquish scale and other bugs.

1. Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol)/unscented rubbing alcohol

   Brand: Diggers Isopropyl Alcohol

2. Natural Insecticidal Soap

   Brand: Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner

3. TOPICAL Systemic treatment imidacloprid

   Brand: Richgro Bug Killa

scale removal
METHODS

Scale insects can be a real nuisance for cacti kids, compromising the health of your plant. If you've got scale on your cactus, don't stress – there are several treatment options available to help you get rid of these pesky bugs and get your cactus back to looking its best.

Keep in mind, for all treatments, the time of the year dictates treatment efficiency. Products won't necessarily kill all bugs on contact in cooler months (outside of the growing season), so it might take a few days, weeks, or even months for them to disappear from the plant.
This experience teaches patience. You’ve got this!

Disclaimer:

It's important to note that some of these products may be harmful to humans and pets, so be sure to read the label and use caution when applying them to your cactus plants. Do not apply chemical products to edible plants.

Cactus Vision has not personally used all of these products to vet their safety, accuracy or effectiveness for all plant species we stock. We highly recommend doing some reading on exact products, and patch-test to figure out which method is right for you and your plant.
You know, because we care about you and your cactus's well-being and stuff.