Use house plant insect sprays according to label directions. Aphids suck plant juices and are usually found at the stem tips. A heavy infestation will coat the leaves with sticky honeydew. A black, sooty mold can grow on the honeydew. The insects can be green, white, pink or black.
Scales are usually brown, hard shells attached to the stems or undersides of the leaves.
Sprays are not effective because the shell protects the insects. Heavily infested plants should be discarded. Physically removing the scales and then controlling immature stages with sprays may control the problem on lightly infested plants. This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.