Soft Scale May 2026

Soft scales (family Coccidae ) are sap-sucking pests that damage plants by feeding on phloem, leaving behind a sticky honeydew residue often associated with black sooty mold. Control measures include physical removal, promoting beneficial insects, and applying horticultural oils or systemic insecticides. For detailed identification and management techniques, see the RHS advice or the UC IPM Program . It's Time to Think About Scale Insects - GrowerTalks