Boisduval scale :(
 

I just can't get them off! I have 3 phals infected (all kept together) and have tried rubbing with q-tips and meths, spraying with bayer all in 1, and they are no cleaner. Is it possible that they might be dead and still cling to the leaves? Or is the only option to remove one of the layers of the leaf with the !@^^$£%@$£$.
Otherwise, is there anything else that might leave hardened white crud around the crown of the plants?
Kay
x

How often are you treating your plants? The following link may be of some help to you. Good Luck. Boisduval Scale
Joann

Thanks Joann,
The problem has been obvious for about 6 months, but I think that it must have started with the introduction of one of the Phals from someone else's collection about a year ago. When I was given the plant it had a couple of mealies on it- indicative of a plant which was not the star of someone's greenhouse collection- but they were cleared up easily enough.
Since earlier this year I've alternated between blitzing the things with all I have (hours of q tips etc) and giving up and leaving them to it in their own isolation zone.
I guess at the moment they're getting the Bayer treatment once every 3 weeks or so. Can I up that?
The frustrating thing, is that I'm not really a Phal grower. 2 of these plants have sentimental value however as they were gifts given by wonderful friends during a tough time in my life. They were fine before the freebee!
Kay

Boisduval scale is a tough one to eradicate.

Personally, I'd treat weekly for 3 weeks. A whole lot of maturing can go on in a 3-week respite.

Yeah, short of a long term systemic, I try to treat every 7-10 days, for at least 3 weeks

Thanks- I'll return and report. By the way, what sort of remains will the scale leave on the leaves when they are dead and gone? Do they stay clinging, fall off, leave the munched pits that they made? Having never managed to kill the things I don't know what to look for!
Kay