Scale insect on Saxafraga

[Jupiter]

I have them, thanks to the ants. It's not a bad infestation but I want to treat early to prevent things getting ugly. I'm concerned about systemic pesticides burning plants while the weather is hot. Any suggestions? We have a product here in Australia called confidor, which is a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide. It's more the carriers and wetting agents I'm concerned about than the active constituent... I'd really appreciate any personal experiences from more experienced growers.

[Jeffnz]

I have found that scale is best treated with a paraffin oil such as Conqueror oil. have the same issue with citrus here and a regular application of the oil at the recommended dilution seems to work. Not sure what the situation is your side of the Tasman but here Condifor is the only systemic insecticide still available to home gardeners. Hope that it continues to be available as it is the only remedy that works for control of aphids infesting my hellebores.\ and control of red spider mite.

[Jupiter]

I'm very hesitant to use oil on saxes Jeff. It will soak into the lime on the leaves and make them look ugly and potentially suffocate them..?  They are such delicate little things in this climate.

[fermi de Sousa]

Hi Jamus,
oil is definitely not what you want to use with the current heat wave!
We do use Confidor at times but only on non-edibles.
You could try the old cotton-bud dipped in metho which was always recommended for houseplants "back in the day" 
cheers
fermi

[Jupiter]

Thanks Fermi, that's a good idea actually for some of the smaller plants. I might resort to confidor on others and just wait until it cools down a bit before doing it. I remember Dad doing the cotton bud dipped in metho for epiphytic orchids.