Pests are a problem for the horticulturist, but they are part of nature and we must learn to live with them. It is a mistake to try to eliminate them completely with products that in the long term will be much more harmful to us, causing serious illnesses. In this series of articles I will talk about how to deal with these small, undesirable living beings.
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The cottony cushion scale is a fairly common pest in citrus fruits but it rarely attacks the vegetables in our garden. However, we must always be alert to its appearance as it is difficult to treat.
It is a sucking insect that causes damage very similar to that caused by aphids. It also secretes a sugary substance that ants love, which also protect them. And they can create serious problems due to the appearance of the sooty mold fungus.
They have a very characteristic appearance when they are adults that makes them tremendously visible. They are like little walking cotton balls.
They have many predators such as ladybugs and especially their larvae. This is why it is difficult for them to become pests in a healthy environment but it is not impossible.
The most effective treatment is to maintain a healthy environment in the garden with no predators but you can also use diluted potassium soap and apply it manually.
A curious thing about this pest is that in some places they are grown on cacti, especially in the Mediterranean, to obtain a precious product: a fantastic crimson-coloured natural dye.
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