White spots

[87_botanist]

Hi crew, 

 

New to cactus growing, can someone please point me in the right direction to fix these white spots and i found a little big which looks like it was sucking/eating. My first though would be to use white oil. 

 

[Anodyne]

Nooooo! White oil will strip the cuticle off the poor cactus, leaving it open to rot, sunburn, and other unpleasantness. Mildly soapy water on a soft brush (eg. old toothbrush) will remove the scale without hurting the plant. Also IME scale tend to target plants which are a bit sickly,  &/or in damp sites without good air flow. So if it's possible to move them to a sunnier, airier spot after brushing them clean,  maybe try that as well?

,

[Anodyne]

I can't copy the pic from my phone for some reason, but here is a link to show you what happens when you put white oil on cactus ... learn from my mistakes! white oil burns

[87_botanist]

Ok cheers for the heads up on the white oil, but as for position they are in full sun sitting on a rock wall in the middle of the garden with well drained soil and they certainly get good airflow I think

[Strontium Dawg]

I don't think you have anything to worry about there. I wouldn't be treating them with anything. Trichos are hardy buggers, sometimes too much parental concern is worse than letting them be. 

 

[El Presidente Hillbillios]

yeah, nothing worth worrying over there i reckon

[87_botanist]

I knew I could rely on you legends, cheers

[Inyan]

Sure fire method to get rid of them that I've tried. First, find a nice ice pick. Second, douse your cacti with gasoline. Third step... light gasoline. If any of those critters try to get away stab them with the ice pick. If in doubt, stab them regardless. Your pest problem should cease and desist immediately, but if you should notice any more critters rinse and repeat.