Adult soft scales resemble shiny, hard lens-shaped objects between 2mm and 10mm long, and vary in size and colour. Like their close relatives the mealybugs, armoured scales, whiteflies and aphids, the damage they cause is a result of them feeding on the sap of the host plant. This causes physical damage, and the large quantities of honeydew deposited on the leaf surface encourage sooty moulds and ants. The presence of soft scales also detracts from the appearance of the plants. Discoloration, leaf loss and a reduction in the vigour of the plant can result from an infestation.

Scales are stationary insects with shell-like coverings that protect their body. Some scales may be flat or convex, round, oval, or pear-shaped. Most are brown, but color can range from white to black. Scales produce honeydew, a substance that gives the leaves a shiny, sticky appearance. Sooty mold, a dark growth, may appear on the leaves of infested plants. Plants infested with scales show poor growth or are stunted. Spray or dip the foliage with a soapy wash. Repeat the treatment in 3 weeks and at intervals as needed.

When a colony of armoured scales is established, a barnacle-like encrustation will become obvious, and a waxy sheen may appear on the surface of some leaves. Plants will lack vigour, may lose leaves, and will become unattractive. Unlike soft scales and mealybugs, armoured scales do not produce honeydew.

Control:
They are often difficult to control and there is no easy, simple cure for a scale infestation. Prune and bag the infested branches and leaves as soon as you notice scale infestation. You can pick off individual scales from the infested plant parts with the help of fingernail. Another way is dabbing each scale with an alcohol soaked cotton swap. These methods will be good for mildly infested plants. For mild infestation even you can try removing scales with a soft "bristled" tooth brush dipped in soap water or 70 per cent alcohol. 

For heavily infested plants Acephate or Malathion spraying can be done but spraying is not effective in controlling mature scales. A systemic insecticide is most effective. Spraying Pyrethin, which is an organic pesticide made from chrysanthemum extract, may be a final resort. One can spray a mixture of insecticidal soap and horticultural oil to control scale insects. The oil smoothens these slow moving insects.