Cottony Cushion Scale (La Cochinilla Acanalada)

[demokritos]

I've been fighting scale on my potted jacarandas the past few years, and can't seem to get rid of them. I've been pulling them off by hand and misting the affected areas with a jabon blanco mixture - this has worked for the majority of my plants, but they always come back to the jacaranda. In the US we use ladybugs for biological control, but it is my understanding (from the viveros in my neighborhood) that the sale of insects for this purpose is prohibited. I'd prefer to avoid heavier-duty pesticides, as this plant is potted in a courtyard right next to my kitchen. Any ideas?

 

[French jurist]

Spray some tobacco juice?

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I use plain old rubbing alcohol. I apply it using an old toothbrush.
Just dip the old toothbrush in the alcohol bottle & start brushing away.
If it's a big problem you may need to hire a professional guy.
Check with your local plant store.