They damage plants by sucking juice from leaves and stems. Aphids reproduce rapidly so don't neglect infestations. Begin control measures as soon as aphids are found. Scale insects are small, soft-bodied pests that attach themselves to plant leaves and stems. There are many kinds of scale insects that attack ornamental plants.
Scales can be white, red, brown or black.
They appear to be flattened or minute turtle-shaped structures. 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.