---
title: "What is all over my cowboy cactus? Looks like flakes of skin feels a…"
description: "What is all over my cowboy cactus? Looks like flakes of skin feels a bit like a silky chalk"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/3TfX2woewzNRAyaUwKDS3M"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Dishers"
published: "2024-12-12T19:48:22.618191Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Pz49avo1BJqPEdLiId6fDiOwSbTAXNSLGV3fFeGvek0/CyrAEHFATgWPPpkWIUIxVg.webp?size=large"
---

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# What is all over my cowboy cactus? Looks like flakes of skin feels a…

_Posted by Dishers on 2024-12-12_

What is all over my cowboy cactus?  
Looks like flakes of skin feels a bit like a silky chalk

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Pz49avo1BJqPEdLiId6fDiOwSbTAXNSLGV3fFeGvek0/CyrAEHFATgWPPpkWIUIxVg.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2024-12-12

That looks like scale

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-12-12

cochineal specifically

#### Dishers replied on 2024-12-12

Ok gross how would I get rid of it

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-12-12

Cotton swab and alcohol, they should just wipe off. Then you'd want to treat with a pesticide that effects scale

#### Dishers replied on 2024-12-13

I’m wondering how I got it in my tent. Should I be cleaning out my tent and spray down with peroxide you think?

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-12-13

It was probably already on it when you got it. I would at least wipe down under the pot, and the pot itself. They really love any crevice.

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