[Arid_gardener] Re: Cochineal Scale

[Olin Miller]

Sounds like Cochineal Scale which is a red insect protected by the white
covering such that insecticides won't penetrate it and are ineffective.  You
can rinse it off with a strong spray from something like a tapered sweeper
nozzle.  The plant should be checked at least monthly because it will come
back and will eventually kill the cactus if not controlled.

Olin
===============================

--- Original Message ----- 
From: <bsteinle at hbsteinle.com>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 5:15 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page
> Bonna Steinle
> 85209
> bsteinle at hbsteinle.com
> My prickly pear cactus has developed a white, gauzy looking growth on some
> of the paddles.  When I wiped some off with a cotton swab there was
> something red inside.  I don't know if it is a parasite or not.  How do I
> treat this and will it eventually kill the cactus?