cut them all back a couple of weeks ago.  The new growth is literally covered from tip to stem with the soft scale. I sprayed it all with neem, but I don't remember getting much help from that last year.  I'm surprised how thick they are after a couple of weeks from cutting to new sprouts.  I guess I'll try some coffee grounds next.  I can't do the bee killing nic stuff.  I've noticed bees visiting our ilex lately schillings as they are starting to flower.  IFAS

 

[edit] sonovabitch, the white fuzzy bugs are their enemy.  here I was last year thinking they were part of the problem! DOH!

My firebush had small patches of scale last year.  Just cut them off.  

Don't have any idea of what to do with crotons.  

croton scale are tough. they will kill the plant. If you can't just keep squashing them with your fingers, a systemic pesticide is a solution. I have never used pesticide until I couldn't defeat croton scale. You gotta keep an eye on them as they populate fast and bounce between croton.

Bayer Advanced Garden Tree &
Shrub Insect Control

Blue bottle at hd/lowes. This works for croton scale. Mix it in a five gallon bucket with water and drench the roots. Sometimes you have to repeat a couple months later.