White Fluffy Stuff on Cactus Can Be Removed Easily

Cochineal scale on Opuntia or beavertail cactus

Q. My wife and I read your interesting article regarding white spots on cactus. Yes, we have them and didn't know what to do about it. Now we do. I zapped the beavertail with a solid water stream and within seconds the spots were gone and the beavertail looked as good as ever. Many thanks for the simple solution to an otherwise difficult problem.

Using a hose and sweep nozzle to wash off cochineal scale

A.This is cochineal scale. A very similar cousin to this one was used for making a beautiful red dye. Remember that this does not get rid of them permanently.

They will come back relatively soon and you will have to repeat spraying with your hose. If this becomes bothersome then you will have to rely on a pesticide such as Sevin after you hose them off.

Make sure you read the pesticide label before applying it.