Do I have to report cochineal scale?

No. cochineal scale is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.

How is cochineal scale treated?

Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.

Dr. Phyto

cochineal scale

Dactylopius coccus

Symptoms

Fluffy white waxy patches on the Opuntia pads; when crushed they release a crimson-red liquid; the host pad yellows, growth is stunted, and a secondary soft rot can follow on heavily infested pads.

Plants affected

prickly pear cactus

Treatment

Dr. Phyto builds a dated, step-by-step treatment plan with country-approved products — start a free diagnosis to get yours.

Common questions

How do I recognise cochineal scale on prickly pear cactus?: Fluffy white waxy patches on the Opuntia pads; when crushed they release a crimson-red liquid; the host pad yellows, growth is stunted, and a secondary soft rot can follow on heavily infested pads.
Do I have to report cochineal scale?: No. cochineal scale is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.
How is cochineal scale treated?: Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.

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