The eggs hatch and the crawlers seek out new feeding sites. This crawler stage is when scale is easiest to control. When the crawlers settle they insert their mouthparts into the plant and begin feeding on the plant's sap. The protective shell develops soon after feeding begins and the insect looses its legs. When protected under their shells scale insects are difficult to control except with systemic insecticides.
Indoor scales can go through many generations a year.
Integrated Pest Management Strategies 1. Remove insects by hand. If caught early, scale insects can be rubbed off by hand, with a discarded toothbrush or with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Prune out heavily infected portions of the plant. Use insecticidal soap.