How to Scale Citrus Trees

Scale pests can be a major problem on Florida citrus trees. The insects are called scale because a single scale insect's body is similar in appearance to a scale on a lizard or snake. Scale insects suck the fluids from leaves, twigs and fruits. This can cause the leaves and twigs to become discolored, can lead the tree to shed its leaves and can cause fruit to become discolored. Scales can be controlled through use of predator insects such as ladybugs.

• 1

  Purchase an insect such as ladybugs from a commercial establishment that specializes in capturing and selling wild ladybugs. Ladybugs reared in a lab are unable to find their own food in the wild. By purchasing captured ladybugs, you will insure that the bugs remain alive and will attack your scale bugs.

• 2

  Leave your ladybugs in your refrigerator overnight to chill them. Ladybugs walk rather than flying when they have been chilled. This will help to keep them in the place that you release them.

• 3

  Water your garden before releasing ladybugs. The insects will be drawn to rest on your plants to drink water clinging to the leaves.

• 4

  Release the bugs after sundown or before sunup. Ladybugs will stay put if released before the sun is out, since they navigate by the sun.

• 5

  Cover your plants with greenhouse plastic or a floating row cover to help keep the ladybugs near severely infested plants.