Soon after hatching, most scale insects attach themselves to the host plant, sink their sucking mouthparts into the plant, begin feeding, and never move from this feeding site. Some scales, like aphids, secrete honeydew that collects on the plant. Control often may be achieved simply by removing the attached scale insects from the plant. Heavily infested plant parts can be removed from the plant and destroyed. Insecticide applications are most effective when timed for presence of the crawler stage.
Mealybugs are similar to scale insects.
A mealybug's protective covering is a layer of white, waxy material that becomes heavier and more developed as the mealybug matures. These pests are usually found on new growth, on the leaves or petioles and on the flowers. They also can secrete honeydew and heavily infested plants become very sticky. Control light infestations by removing them with a cotton swab saturated in alcohol. Heavy infestations may be difficult to control, requiring two to three insecticide applications.