---
title: "Was thinking scale was eating my plant, I’ve try soaking in house…"
description: "Was thinking scale was eating my plant, I’ve try soaking in house plant bug killer ultra , also mealy bug killer spray, insecticide soap and cut off loads of…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/CB0ZHKVkVLpYxgm6P2OYcJ"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Tom"
published: "2025-09-13T14:00:04.583439Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iNTxcaMdihIiF3cG-Oo_w7l-8xOwzfBzSxhBmxMmzcs/2CgsZs2JT8ukffi84rJ5Qg.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# Was thinking scale was eating my plant, I’ve try soaking in house…

_Posted by Tom on 2025-09-13_

Was thinking scale was eating my plant, I’ve try soaking in house plant bug killer ultra , also mealy bug killer spray, insecticide soap and cut off loads of infected leaves, also moved away from other plants but it’s getting worse, no sign of pest, I’m going to try triple action neem oil with dr bronner’s peppermint all-one magic soap diluted in water and soak the plant after another good shower of all leaves, any idea what pest this is, soil has been changed to good quality soil ninja fern mix with extra perlite and bits, the plant did have a couple of these marks when I purchased it, first thing I did was good shower and soil change

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iNTxcaMdihIiF3cG-Oo_w7l-8xOwzfBzSxhBmxMmzcs/2CgsZs2JT8ukffi84rJ5Qg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iNTxcaMdihIiF3cG-Oo_w7l-8xOwzfBzSxhBmxMmzcs/1s2BCD6oSOibJ34-szT0jQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iNTxcaMdihIiF3cG-Oo_w7l-8xOwzfBzSxhBmxMmzcs/Swu8d8fuQfutLXiIMmKM_w.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iNTxcaMdihIiF3cG-Oo_w7l-8xOwzfBzSxhBmxMmzcs/3p26TFN5TUKnaFvI1jd5Yg.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Tom commented on 2025-09-13

All leaves and soil very well soaked in the neem oil and peppermint with water, used around half a litter of mix, when wiping and spraying at same time there was some small black bugs if this helps in identifying them, sorry couldn’t get picture of them as my hands were soak in the formula

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iNTxcaMdihIiF3cG-Oo_w7l-8xOwzfBzSxhBmxMmzcs/pYx-qCE7QlKCVCsRYFi1_A.webp?size=large)

### Springvision commented on 2025-09-13

What a shame! Such a cool looking plant. I wish I had some answers for you. 😕

#### Tom replied on 2025-09-13

The plant is Pteris albolineata fern, hoping to get the bugs gone, not sure if the neem oil or peppermint will affect leaf growth, as can sometimes damage sensitive plants, only time will tell

### Bb commented on 2025-09-14

Hi there, small black bugs that crawl? I couldn’t see anything in the photos but the description makes me think aphids. I have a Syngonium with an aphid infestation at the moment and I’ve been spraying with the neem and castille spray weekly and their populations are reducing. Pests are the worst, hope your lovely fern gets through it!

#### Tom replied on 2025-09-14

Thank you, will do neem and spray weekly as well, they seem to bite the leaves all over, also all along the stems intel they have nearly eat through, now just noticed a couple of stems have there leaves eaten on a green lady Boston fern that is was touching, hope aphid infestation clears up, will be doing a bit wash done of all plants that were near it later

#### Bb replied on 2025-09-14

I feel you, a weekly spray on any nearby plant neighbours is a good idea and monitor them. Best of luck!!

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