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Pests
Scale Insects on Lemon Tree
Commonly affects: Citrus limon (Lemon Tree)
Small, immobile brown or tan bumps attach to leaves and stems, secreting honeydew and often leading to sooty mould developing on the residue.
Potential Causes
- 1Scale insects establishing on leaf undersides and stems
- 2Introduction from a nearby infested plant
- 3Stressed trees being more susceptible to significant infestation
Solution Steps
- 1Scrape off visible scale by hand or with a soft brush for light infestations
- 2Apply horticultural oil, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides and stems
- 3Wipe away sooty mould once the underlying scale is controlled
- 4Repeat treatment over several weeks for full control, since scale's protective coating resists a single application
Prevention Tip
Sooty mould on a lemon tree is a secondary symptom of an underlying scale (or other honeydew-producing pest) infestation â treat the pest, not just the mould.
