Citrus scale bugs - anyone conquered them or are we binning the tree? :(

[WoolyMammoth55]

Inherited a beautiful potted orange tree from my sister when she moved abroad - about 1m 60 high with nice 50cm spread at the top, it has a lovely shape and fits great in our home.

We tried to work out why it was dripping sap everywhere and UNFORTUNATELY it turns out to be absolutely infested with citrus scale bugs... It spent a couple of months on the patio at my FILs place while we extended last summer so not clear if it was already infested when gifted or picked the bugs up there somehow.

Anyway, DH is squeamish and wants to bin it. We can't put it outside as the sap/honeydew attracts ants and it'll get a secondary infestation out there... We have small kids and a dog inside so I don't want to use anything unsafe.

WWYD - bin? Or if not any recommendations as to what to use and how often? Thanks!

Washing up liquid!

Before binning it , try heavy handed spraying with a mix of washing up liquid and water every day. www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk/blog/how-get-rid-scale-insects-0

Persistance and patience. It might take months.

I'd put it outside and paint the trunk with tree tar to stop ants, then use washing up liquid as @Cormoran suggests. More likely to get some natural predators outside.

Thanks both! @Ifailed is there a recipe/product link for the tar stuff? I don't mind being patient so will definitely try the washing up liquid. Found some link that said rubbing alcohol to scrape off/remove the big visible ones - would you have a go at that after a bit with the washing up liquid? Fingers crossed it can be salvaged - bit more optimistic now! :)

tree grease, here's a starter:

www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=tree+grease&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I'm old, used to be called tree tar.

I use a nail brush and a soapy solution