Scale on Sabal Minor

[Rightstuff15]

As I understand, the white spots on my Sabal Minor are tiny insects.  What can I use to rid of them?

[PalmatierMeg]

If you want to avoid poisons spray plant with insecticidal soap which will suffocate the scale. Dead scale still leaves behind its shell which will still be visible. You can wash that off soap (not detergent) and water. If you want to attack scale systemically you can drench the root area with imidacloprid (Bayer in blue bottles). You will still have to wash off the dead scale. I have a number of Sabal species and all of them get scale at one time or another. Doesn't seem to bother them so I don't worry about it.

[Scot from SC]

Follow Meg's advice...I just treated the minors at my subdivision's entrance yesterday for a little scale. I used a natural insecticide spray and toothbrush. Like she said, sabals in warmer climates get them at times. Sometimes I put coffee grounds around the bases to discourage ants. 

Edited June 15, 2018 by Scot from SC

[PalmatierMeg]

Scot's post reminded me that the caffeine in coffee grounds acts as a systemic insecticide. It won't kill instantly but eventually will as the roots absorb it. You will still have to deal with the remains. Also, I have sprayed plants with dilute black coffee for quicker dispatch.