re: OT Gardeners: question about scale on camellias

quote:

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Why wouldn't you use an insecticide?

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Because my guy told me that an insecticide will kill bugs that prey on the scale. He said the oil smothers the scale bc the scale can't move..
If this isn't the case I would be happy to try something else. That oil stinks like hell and because I have to coat the underside of the leaves, it's pretty messy..

I have looked on the extension websites and its all very technical. I know how to care for grass, beyond that...