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Identifying scale insects on Rose
Small brown or grey shell-like bumps along rose canes, particularly at the base and on older wood, sometimes mistaken for part of the stem's natural texture.
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Life cycle
Crawlers emerge from under scale and disperse. Settled scales are immobile under protective shell.
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Damage to Rose
Scale insects sap-suck along the canes, weakening growth and causing dieback in heavily infested stems, with honeydew attracting sooty mould.
healing
How to treat scale insects on Rose
Scrape off visible scale with a fingernail or soft brush, then wipe with rubbing alcohol. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season for heavier infestations.
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Preventing scale insects on Rose
Inspect canes during winter pruning when scale is easiest to spot on bare wood, and prune out heavily infested canes.