strange bugs

[esteve59]

any one know what these are....they look like barnacles with some slimy creature inside
suggestions what to treat with..

 

[NewWorldBonsai]

Those are scales, though I don't know the type on your Malpighia.

Treat with a systemic insecticide. Or you can try some other home remedies.

Aren't they strange creatures? They begin life as a little crawling bugs then develop on a branch. They go through a similar life cycle of a muscle...

 

[rockm]

The most effective way to get rid of scale is to squash them by hand. Not a huge job on a small tree, but still takes some time.

Some plants have adverse reactions to some systemics...Systemics an take some time to work as it makes its way up the stem of the plant. Could take weeks before it's fully effective

Regular spray-on poison has to be applied at exactly the right moment when scale is vulnerable (in its larval "crawler" stage). If such sprays are applied to scale that is already hardened off in their shells (as is the case in the photo) it just rolls off of them harmlessly.

 

[Poink88]

I found Neem oil to be effective against scales. Be warned that neem oil (or any horticultural oil spray) should be used only when temps are cool (else your plant may be roasted) and some plants do not like it so check compatibility first.

I agree with the pick and squish method esp. for this type.

 

[JudyB]

You can also dip q-tip in rubbing alcohol and paint each scale... if you don't want to squash them.