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Scale on bay

leeali86leeali86 Posts: 75
in Problem solving
So I’ve recently noticed my bay tree has scale! Yuk, it seems to be a big infestation I’ve brushed some off with a toothbrush and mild soap also used ecofective bug spray my question is should I persist or would it be advisable to get rid of the tree as it’s a big infestation?? 

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    It's still quite a small tree, so I would persevere with the manual removal.  You will get on top of the problem if you keep at it. :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • leeali86leeali86 Posts: 75
    Ok I’ll have a go, I’ve moved the tree away from all other plants for now, I will keep an eye on it and remove as much as I can. 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    If the soap doesn't work , dip the toothbrush in meths or alcohol - spirits ,not beer😊
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • leeali86leeali86 Posts: 75
    B3 said:
    If the soap doesn't work , dip the toothbrush in meths or alcohol - spirits ,not beer😊

    that’s a shame have a fridge full of beer! 👍 thanks for the tip

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited June 2020
    I think the beer would leave a sticky residue rather than evaporate. Meths is the best. I used it on my fig tree last year. But keep it out of the sun until it has evaporate d
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited June 2020
    Yes, it has to be a strong solution of alchohol so meths is best.  Polish spirit at 150 degrees proof (=75% by volume) would also be ideal (200 degrees proof is pure alchohol = 100% by volume.)  I have some 'Cavalier' Antigua rum which is 151 degrees proof, but I wouldn't waste that on a plant!  :D

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    BobTheGardener said:
    Yes, it has to be a strong solution of alchohol so meths is best.  Polish spirit at 150 degrees proof (=75% by volume) would also be ideal (200 degrees proof is pure alchohol = 100% by volume.)  I have some 'Cavalier' Antigua rum which is 151 degrees proof, but I wouldn't waste that on a plant!  :D

    Dont let @WonkyWomble know you’ve got some of that ... she and her Lovely Hub will be paying you a visit 😆 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • leeali86leeali86 Posts: 75
    BobTheGardener said:
    It's still quite a small tree, so I would persevere with the manual removal.  You will get on top of the problem if you keep at it. :)
    I’m having a nightmare so I’ve moved the tree after descaling, woke up this morning and it is full of ants, do I need to do anything or do I just leave the ants?? 
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