Scale Control: When "Out of Scale" Is a Good Thing

If the words "scale control" were applied to landscape design, our objective would be to keep landscaping features "in scale" with one another. For instance, we might try to keep a tree in scale with a nearby house. But "scale control" is used more often in reference to insect pests. "There are some 7,000 species of scale insects, varying greatly in color, shape and size, usually ranging from 1/16 - 1/8 inch," writes Marie Iannotti. If you've ever had to battle scale insects on your plants, then you probably remember the sigh of relief you breathed when you were finally "out of scale." Learn about scale control in this article from About's Gardening Guide.