- Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the tropical-growing neem tree. It interferes with insects' physiology and development, and is an effective treatment when sprayed on scale. Scale insects breathe through their shell, and suffocation is one of the best ways to eliminate them. Along with other widely available horticultural oils, neem oil not only goes to work as an insecticide, but also has the smothering effect.
- Small plants with tiny foliage may benefit from a soapy water bath to rid them of scale. Prepare a gallon of hot water with a teaspoon of liquid soap in a container large enough to submerge all of the plant's foliage. Use your hand or squares of cardboard to hold back the potted plant's soil, and invert the plant, dipping it into the soap and water solution. Swish it around gently to be sure all parts of the plant are in contact with the solution. Allow to dry upright. Repeat as necessary. This solution may also be placed into a spray bottle and misted onto plants as needed. Washing plants with soapy water and a brush or sponge may also help eliminate small scale infestations, and also takes care of the honeydew problem.
- Though tedious, sometimes the most effective natural control of scale is to painstakingly pick them off the plant. Scale prefers out-of-the-way spots like the undersides of leaves and in stem apexes. They do not like to be disturbed. A fingernail or the edge of a table knife makes prying them up easy enough. Drop the removed scale in a jar of soapy water to kill them.
- Rubbing alcohol, while not recommended for all plants, is sometimes effective at eliminating scale. Use a cotton swab or ball to dab the insects with the alcohol directly, or use a sponge or cloth and wipe the entire plant down. Alcohol may burn the foliage, so use with caution.
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