I think there are 2 kinds of scale. The harder outer shell ones, usually
dark brown, and the softer whiter colored ones. (I think these are called
boisduvial scale). I believe the pattern of noticing the sap with
progression to later seeing the adults at the leaf edges or in the leaf
axils is pretty typical for these insects. Treat with any pesticide that
kills scale. I used to use Malathion, but I believe that is slowly being
pulled from the market (at least here in California) I've used plain old
70% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush, to kill the adults then wiped any
suspect areas for the next few weeks to be sure the eggs, larvae are gone,
as long as it was only one plant and isolated away from my main collection
(like a phal on the kitchen window insrtead of in the GH.) There are a few
good newer pesticides on the market (made by Bayer here in teh US) that
should kill them off, too. I confess when I look for those I have to stand
in the aisle at the nursery, seemingly for hours, reading the small print
until I find the one I want. Am I the only one or does Bayer's product
names all sound the same to everyone else, too?

K Barrett

"W. Clinton Terry" wrote in message
.. .
I have a couple of palenopsis that are secreting a sticky substance from
the middle of their leaves. It something like tree sap. If left alone,
eventually some scale like insects appear on the edge of the leaves. There
may be no relationship between these insects and the secretion. Unlike
other scale with which I am familiar, these appear wet. When you crush
them there is a lot of moisture involved. Other scales I have seen and
treated are dry and harder. Can anyone give me an idea what is happening.
I have sprayed with an Ortho Oil spray to no avail.

Thanks for any assistance you might be able to provide.

Clinton Terry