Mulberry - Plant Pest

Oh no..today read on the forum, my mulberry plant might have scales attached to its stems. Guess I better work on it faster else my plant would not be healthy!

Guess this mulberry plant is very poor thing - got snails, yellow leaves and now scales. :(

Yesterday alone I already removed 7 snails from the pot.

Search the web to see how to prevent it:
Snails
Plants affected: Almost any soft, lush plant. Hostas are a particular favourite. Hairy or furry plants are usually fairly safe.

Symptoms: Snails climb, so look for slime trails and nibbled leaves, even on plants in pots and containers. Snails devour the soft green bits between the leaf ribs, leaving a ‘skeleton’ behind.
Prevention/Control: Collect by hand and dispose of them. To protect plants, surround them with piles of prickly leaves or really sharp grit. If using slug pellets, apply sparingly. A ring of petroleum jelly around the top of pots can be an effective prevention method, particularly with hostas.

Scale insects
Plants affected: Greenhouse and conservatory plants, especially those with thick, waxy or evergreen leaves. Citrus plants are a special favourite.

Symptoms: Tiny limpets clinging to stems or under leaves.
Prevention/Control: Wipe off the insects with a cotton bud and meths, then wash the leaves with tepid water to remove the sooty mould that’s often associated with scale insect infestations.


Afternote: Need to shop for the alchol or meths to clean up my plant!

Update 1 Jul 08: Last night used summer oil to clean up all the stems of the tree. Hope it will help to reduce the scales on the plant.

Some info on Summer Oil - This lightweight oil (sold under different brand names) provides good control of aphids, mealybugs, mites, scales, and a host of other insects by smothering them. Unlike dormant oil, it can be used year-round (even in warm temperatures), and its not toxic to mammals. Mix according to label directions and spray it on foliage, including the undersides of leaves.