Prickly Pear Pests

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Hi-

I got this guy from you a couple months ago. I’m worried it has developed a fungus. What do you think those dots are?

A close-up of a green prickly pear cactus pad with numerous white, scaly patches and small brown spots, possibly indicating prickly pear pests or disease. In the background, a wooden table and textured carpet are partially visible.Thanks!
Stephanie

Stephanie,

That is Scale, a small hard-shelled insect that sucks the juices out of cactus. We recommend spraying with natural pyrethrins. We sell Don’t Bug Me which will kill them on contact. They have a hard outer shell so you can clean them off with a spray of rubbing alcohol which will break down the shell, and then use a soft brush to wipe them off. Be careful not to scrape the cactus.

Peter

    
    
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