Scale bugs, or scale insects, are small sap-sucking pests that can be a problem in the garden during the spring and summer months. When your plants are thriving, these tiny pests can feast on lush and fresh growth. They can be tolerated in small quantities, but for bigger, problem infestations there are methods and ways to combat scale bugs.
While there are many different types of scale bugs, and they can vary in appearance, the common denominator is that they are covered by an outer waxy shell or casing that looks like scales, as seen in the images here. Mealybugs, for example, are a type of scale bug with a scale-like white covering. This protective adaption makes all scale bugs resistant to some pest control methods.
