clear stick bubble on leaves - good or bad??

[jeffers4]

Hello all,

I have had an orchid for a few years now that was given to me, not sure what kind exactly, but in the past few weeks it has been producing sticky clear droplets on the leaves. I looked all over online and have seen that the flower stalks or buds can produce a sap that is clear and looks like a drop of water, but I currently have no flower stalk or buds. These drops are appearing on the edges of the leaves. Is this still just sap the plant is producing or is it more?

I have also found, thanks to this site, I have a scale problem as well. Could these be related? I didn't see anything about sappy drops relating to scales, but thought I'd ask. And what is the best method to get ride of these scales? Is the 70% alcohol the best method?

Thanks a lot! Pictures of these sappy drops are attached.

Jeff