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Brown Soft Scales (Coccus hesperidum)
Brown soft scales are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to stems and leaves of ornamental plants, sucking plant sap and secreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold. They affect a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants including citrus, ficus, and bay laurel. Heavy infestations weaken plants, cause leaf yellowing, and can eventually lead to plant death. Systemic insecticides and horticultural oils applied at the crawler stage provide effective control.