There are a couple of methods for organically controlling scale insects on citrus plants.

Scale insects can removed manually with a damp cloth by gently scraping them off the plant. If they are difficult, tap their backs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to help them release and then wipe or spray them away. Be as thorough as possible and then repeat the procedure a week to ten days later to remove additional generations of insects. If you notice the infestation early enough and are thorough and consistent in treatment, the insect population will decrease gradually. 

Another control method is beneficial insects. If you summer your citrus outdoors in your garden, beneficial ladybugs may appear and eat nuisance bugs that attack your plants. If you don’t have the particular plants that lure the good bugs such as ladybugs, you can attract beneficial insects by growing the plants they like, such as yarrow, borage, sweet alyssum, coreopsis, coneflowers and yarrow.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service