Peter: In keeping with what others have said -- yes, you need to do more
than just a single cleaning with alcohol. Followup sprayings with something
stronger like Orthene are good, also finding any treating any infested "host
plants" in the area [palms, hibiscus, etc.] and treating them as well. But
for a really stubborn infestation, yes, sometimes you do need to do
something for the roots -- repot! If the #@$@ critters have gotten down
into your potting mix, that's the only way you'll ever really be rid of
them. And it is that time of year ... Kenni

"Peter A" wrote in message
...
I have a chronic scale insect infestation and think I may be trying to
deal with it the wrong way because they keep coming back. I'll inspect
the plant and remove any visible critters with an alcohol-dipped swab,
the spray the plant well with alcohol. Do I need to do something to the
roots as well? Is there a better way?

Thanks in advance.


--
Peter Aitken