I found what looks to be black scale some of my 2nd year fig trees.   I've seen some mention of scale here, but no definitive solution.  Any suggested treatment would be appreciated.  

Observation:  As I've said on previous threads, I've found that 5-1-1 mix attracts ants.  I only see ants in planters with 5-1-1, not in my other mixes like 3-2-1.  The ants seem to be what keep bringing the scale.


 

Oil works well but it's hard to get 100% coverage on bigger plants. I've also killed them with an insecticide like Malathion or a mixture of oil and insecticide.

If there's only a few smash them with your fingers.

I use the ants as my scale detector. They feed on the honeydew. So I look for ants and see what they're feeding on. It's always scale or aphids.

Two options.

1) Physically remove them by rubbing them off.

2) Use a suffocant, usually something horticultural oil based. They can not be killed with insecticide, which does not penetrate their hard shells. That is why you suffocate them.

As noted above, they are brought and farmed by the ants. Control ants, and most insect problems go away, or are greatly reduced.

Thanks for the advice.  I squished as many as I could find and will also spray with neem oil solution tomorrow.