Scheffleras issue

I have a tall Scheffleras with has a shinny, sticky substance on it's lower leaves.I live in the Minneapolis area and it has been indoors since last fall. This sticky material is also on my carpet, furniture, and othe plants in the same area. Can anyone identify my problem and hopefully help in avoiding this from happening again in the future.

Thanks, Michael

 

You may have an infestation of scale insects: these pests secrete a sticky honeydew.

 

Thanks for the info, how do I get rid of them?

 

There are many available horticultural oils that will kill them. First, make sure it is actually scale(from the description it certainly sounds like it) but best to make sure you properly identify the problem before trying to treat it.

-Luke