Taking care of a fig tree, witnessing its growth and reaping its delicious fruit brings a feeling of contentment. However, what if unwanted visitors pose a threat to your efforts?
Scale insects, with their waxy protective shells and insatiable appetite for sap, can pose a significant threat to your fig tree.
Don’t be disheartened! Armed with the right knowledge and strategies, you can prevent and eliminate scale infestations, ensuring your fig tree continues to thrive.
To eliminate fig scale, prune all infested areas of the tree, use horticultural oil as needed, and consider introducing natural predators of scale insects, such as ladybugs. Insecticides can also be used, but they should be reserved for severe infestations.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fig scale, including identifying the different types, understanding their impact, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Fig scale insects are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause significant damage to fig trees.
- There are several types of scale insects that can infest fig trees, including the common fig scale, Ceroplastes rusci, and Lepidosaphes ulmi.
- Prevention strategies include maintaining tree health, regular inspection, and proper pruning.
- Treatment strategies include pruning and improved sanitation practices, introducing natural predators, and the use of insecticides and horticultural oils.
Fig scale insects are not the only problem that plagues fig trees. Learn all about common issues and how to manage them in my comprehensive article Fig Tree Diseases and Pests.
Types of Fig Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to the stems, leaves, and fruit of plants, including fig trees.
There are several types of scale insects that can infest fig trees, but the most common is the common fig scale.
Common Fig Scale
The common fig scale (Lepidosaphes conchiformis) is a type of armored scale insect that is often found on fig trees.
They are small, oval-shaped insects that have a protective, waxy covering. These scales can be gray to brown in color and are often found on the stems and leaves of the fig tree.
Other Scale Insects Affecting Fig Trees
In addition to the common fig scale, there are other scale insects that can infest fig trees. These include:
- Ceroplastes rusci: Also known as the fig wax scale, this scale insect is covered in a waxy secretion that gives it a distinctive, glossy appearance. It is often found on the stems and leaves of the fig tree.
- Lepidosaphes ulmi: Also known as the oystershell scale, this scale insect is shaped like an oyster shell and can be gray to brown in color. It can infest a variety of trees, including fig trees.
Conditions That Favor the Appearance of Scale
Scale insects are more likely to infest fig trees under certain conditions. These include:
- Stressed Trees: Trees that are stressed due to poor growing conditions, improper watering, or disease are more susceptible to scale infestations.
- High Humidity: Scale insects thrive in high humidity conditions, which can often be found in dense, poorly pruned canopies.
- Lack of Natural Predators: Scale insects have natural predators, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps. A lack of these predators can allow scale populations to increase unchecked.
Symptoms of Fig Scale Infestation
Recognizing the symptoms of a fig scale infestation is the first step in managing this pest. Symptoms can include:
- Presence of Scale Insects: The most obvious sign of a scale infestation is the presence of the scale insects themselves. They can often be found on the stems, leaves, and fruit of the fig tree.
- Yellowing or Dropping Leaves: As scale insects feed on the sap of the fig tree, they can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely.
- Sooty Mold: Scale insects excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold. This black, sooty fungus can cover the leaves and fruit of the fig tree.
Damage Caused by Fig Scale
Scale insects feed on the sap of the fig tree, which can cause significant damage. This feeding activity can weaken the tree, stunt its growth, and in severe cases, can even kill the tree.
The honeydew excreted by the scale insects can also lead to the growth of sooty mold, which can further weaken the tree and reduce its productivity.
How To Prevent Fig Scale
Preventing fig scale involves several strategies, all aimed at creating an environment that is less conducive to these pests. Here are some key prevention strategies:
- Maintain Tree Health: Healthy trees are less susceptible to scale infestations. Ensure your fig tree is receiving proper watering, is planted in well-draining soil, and is receiving adequate sunlight.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your tree for signs of scale. Early detection is key to preventing a severe infestation.
- Prune Properly: Proper pruning can improve air circulation and reduce humidity within the tree’s canopy, making it less attractive to scale insects.
How To Treat Fig Scale
If your fig tree does become infested with scale, there are several strategies you can use to treat the infestation.
The best approach will depend on the severity of the infestation and the overall health of your fig tree.
Pruning & Improved Sanitation Practices
Pruning infested branches and removing fallen leaves and fruit can help reduce the scale population. Be sure to dispose of pruned material away from your fig tree to prevent reinfestation.
Introducing Natural Predators of Scale Insects
Natural predators, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, can help control scale populations. You can attract these beneficial insects to your garden by planting a variety of flowering plants.
Insecticides
Insecticides can be used to kill scale insects. However, they should be used as a last resort, as they can also kill beneficial insects and may have other negative impacts. Always follow the package instructions carefully.
Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils work by smothering the scale insects, effectively killing them. These can be particularly effective when the scales are in their dormant stage. I’ve found that this one works well.
As with insecticides, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using horticultural oils.
Related Questions:
Where Do Scale Bugs Come From?
Scale insects can come from a variety of sources. They can be brought in on new plants, can fly in from nearby infested plants, or can be transported by birds or other animals.
Regular inspection of your plants can help catch an infestation early before it becomes a serious problem.
How Often Should You Spray for Scale?
The frequency of spraying for scale will depend on the severity of the infestation and the product you are using.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product. In general, you may need to spray every 7 to 14 days until the infestation is under control.
In Summary
Fig scale can be a serious pest, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can prevent and control these pests.
The earlier you identify the problem, the easier it will be to manage, so inspect your fig trees routinely.
For all your fig tree concerns, knowledge is power. Discover more in these articles:
- Fig Mosaic Virus: Preventing & Managing This Dreaded Disease
- Figs Taste Sour? Here’s Why & How To Correct the Problem