What are the raised, brown, shell-like spots on my Hibiscus stems and what can I do about them?

The plants were bought and planted in South Texas three weeks ago. There are ants nearby and occasionally on the plants themselves. I am familiar with most plant parasites and have not seen this particular symptom before. The plants do not seem to be dying yet, but are definitely slowing in their growth process. When I pick at the spots, they come off, and are empty, like shells. HELP!!!!!

What are the raised, brown, shell-like spots on my Hibiscus stems and what can I do about them?
Those are scales. You need to go to your local Greenhouse/Garden Center and get an all-purpose insecticide. iBomb is a great brand...especially if the plants are outdoors. HouseSafe is a great brand for indoor use. Spray the plant thoroughly making sure to get the under-sides of the leaves. Monitor the plant and if the infestation hasn't improved spray again in 7-10 days from first spray. Continue this pattern until infestation is cleared up.
Reply:insecticides with soap and permethrins are good but the problem with scales is that they are well protected like little tanks-you can manually scrape off as much as you can also and spray the rest after that.
Reply:Iamthere2 gave good info. FYI - They are and insect and although they don't seem to move, they spread like crazy. Keep the infected plants away from your other plants!





If I am not mistaken, the ants may herd them as they do aphids.