If ants are abundant, selectively control them. Adult female scales and immatures (nymphs) of most species are circular to oval, wingless, and lack a separate head or other easily recognizable body parts. *As of August 1, 2020, pesticides containing the active ingredient carbaryl are restricted use materials in California. OR, a plant expert will answer your individual plant and garden questions if you contact us by email or use the Quick Form below. Female European fruit lecanium scale, one overturned to reveal eggs. Unlike other insects, they are immobile once they lock themselves into place to pierce the plant and begin feeding on sap. At this point, the nymphs have legs and are actively crawling to find new spots to attach and feed. Scrape off minor scale infestations with a plastic scraper. Scales attached to branches or twigs may be unaffected. The name White Louse Scale is derived from infestations of male nymphs. Most scale insects are very small, usually ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. If a large proportion of scales are dead or parasitized by natural enemies, consider delaying a treatment decision and monitor the population again later before deciding whether to apply pesticide. See Pest Notes: Ants for more information. Nymphs are orangebrown with long hairs and covered with cottony secretions. A mix of 1 ounce of soap to a gallon of water is generally a good rule, but follow the package directions to be sure. Nymphs are partially or nearly covered with a pattern of pure white conical wax plates that show up later as buttons on mature females. If there is no reaction, then you may continue with a more widespread spray. Neem oil and other treatments containing azadirachtin are regarded as organic pesticides and are not toxic to honey bees and most other beneficial insects. Common scales and their tree and shrub hosts are listed in Tables 13. Since there are no natural predators indoors, scale insects will spread even faster than they do outdoors. You may effectively address minor scale infestation on small ficus trees by rubbing each scale with a cotton swab soaked with rubbing alcohol. For example, sago palms can be infested by the similar-looking cycad scale and oleander scale. Female nymphs are smaller versions of adult females. Avoid methods that cause large wounds, such as implants placed in holes drilled in trunks. Quick Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM News. Beneficial insects such as soldier beetles, lady beetles, and parasitic wasps can be an important and effective control for scale insects. Monitor and record scale densities and use the density that caused damage (dieback or unacceptable honeydew) as your preliminary control action threshold. Pest Notes: Ants. (Homoptera: Coccidae). Nat. })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-NPR7B4'); For more information on monitoring honeydew, see the book Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs. Res. Yellow patches on leaves around feeding scales. These insecticides have low toxicity to people and pets and relatively little adverse impact on the populations of pollinators and natural enemies and the benefits they provide. Various species of ficus, members of the genus of the same name, are prized for their foliage and cultivated in the ground or in containers on patios or indoors. Grafton-Cardwell, E. E. 2012. There are hundreds of species of insects across several families of the superfamily Coccoidea that are known as Scale Insects. For assistance, contact your local N.C. A valid pesticide applicators license is required for their possession and use. From there they spread upwards and stall growth. Costa Georgiadis, Press J to jump to the feed. I have a very large and very old fig tree, and just discovered this scale type thing all over it. This is the time when they can be effectively killed with pesticides. These include California laurel aphid (Euthoracaphis umbellulariae), coconut mealybug (Nipaecoccus nipae), cypress bark mealybug (Ehrhornia cupressi), palm aphid (Cerataphis brasiliensis), whitefly nymphs, and psyllids, such as lemongum lerp psyllid (Cryptoneossa triangula) and redgum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei). Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to Biological Pest Control. Hard Scale Insects dont produce honeydew, so you wont have the added problems of ants and sooty mould to deal with if you find them on your plants. Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service. First generation scales settle on leaves, but 7411. Most horticultural oils are some kind of petroleum-based mineral oil although there are some vegetable oils that also fight pests such as cottonseed oil and soybean oil. Outdoors beneficials, like lady bugs, can help by devouring the scale pests. Honeydew also attracts other insects including bees, wasps, hornets and ants (Hymenoptera). Adult and early star-like immature stages. After removing the old tape, wrap the twig at the same location with fresh tape. Quick removal can prevent the scale from migrating to surrounding plants. Publ. There are one to two generations per year, depending on the region. Systemics can translocate into flowers and have adverse effects on natural enemies and pollinators that feed on nectar and pollen. They are all sap-sucking insects. Preserving (conserving) parasites and predators (such as by controlling pest-tending ants) may be enough to bring about gradual control of certain scales as natural enemies become more abundant. Dyson vacuum comparison: Which Dyson model should you buy? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Botany (Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Morphology). Established host plants. The most common types that occur in home gardens are several species of Hard Scales in the family Diaspididae, and several species of Soft Scales of the family Coccidae. Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California Several applications will be necessary to catch all the larvae because these soaps don't last long in the elements, but these organic pesticides will not leave a dangerous environmental residue. Other common scale victims are magnolia and fruit trees. They love to hide. Insecticides differ in their effectiveness for certain scale types. Although hollies have historically been a good choice as landscape plant species and are well adapted to the environmental conditions in Texas, the situation has changed over recent years. Publ. Of course, these other landscape ornamental plants may have other limitations. Res. The importance of infestations depends on the scale species, the plant species and cultivar, environmental factors, and natural enemies. 191. Plants are not harmed by a few scales and even high populations of certain species apparently do not damage plants. Additionally, never apply the product when the plants are in direct sun or the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. More and more landscape hedges of hollies (Ilex sp.) 4). benjamina, the weeping fig, was first introduced to Florida's nursery industry during the late 1950s and has since become Adults of predatory bugs, lacewings, lady beetles, and parasitic wasps live longer, lay more eggs, and kill more scales when they have plant nectar or pollen and insect honeydew to feed on. Zone 7A - Greater PhiladelphiaSocial Media: Facebook.com/rossraddiInstagram.com/rossraddiTwitter.com/rossraddiOther important links: What I'm growing:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i3l2K21bbaAkHjmSnqPX4yvoWEYJ7-YjHOtMPFoe1ME/edit?usp=sharingFruit Growing: http://growingfruit.org/Fig Growing: https://www.ourfigs.com/ 1988. Avoid creating dust because it interferes with natural enemies. Note the numerous nymphs along the veins. Inspect trunks for ants periodically during the growing season. If the scale produces honeydew, this sticky excrement, sooty mold, and the ants attracted to honeydew can annoy people even when scales are not harming the plant. Nat. There are several things you can do to prevent populations of Hard Scales Insects building up to damaging levels (seeHow To Prevent Scale Insects Appearing). Subscribe (RSS) Some gardeners put their ficus tree outdoors in summer to help control problem pests and improve the vigor of the plant as well. Some uses require hiring a professional pesticide applicator. 1993. As females age, they become a uniform brown colour. Always sticky leaves and surfaces. https://www.daleysfruit.com.au/forum/barnacle-scale-on-fig-trees It is reported that barnacle scale adults are present from late July through winter on stems and twigs. Res. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. WebCover the bark and foliage as completely as possible. Provide plants with good growing conditions and proper cultural care, especially appropriate irrigation, so they are more resistant to scale damage. When removing individual adult female scales from leaves at certain times of the year, hundreds of eggs will pour out of their body cavities (Fig. Large amounts of a sticky, sugary liquid, called honeydew, is secreted by these scale insects and is colonized by a fungus called sooty mold, and causes infested plant parts to turn black and become unsightly. People grow too, and the best bit is that they don't realise it's happening. This insect is widely distributed from Maryland to Florida including the Carribean archipelago, and from Missouri to California. With trunk injection and implantation it is difficult to repeatedly place insecticide at the proper depth. The genus Ficus consists of more than 800 species, many of which are desirable foliage plants. Wax Scale nymphs resemble smaller versions of adult females. Before applying insecticide, make sure plants are receiving appropriate cultural care and take steps to conserve natural enemies. N.C. Change and inspect the tape weekly. Trace back trail-making ants to locate colonies of the honeydew-producing insects. Female nymphs are also circular but smaller. Soft scales include black scale, brown soft scale, Kuno scale, lecanium scales, and tuliptree scale. I have a very large and very old fig tree, and just discovered this scale type thing all over it. Scale Insects on Shade Trees and Shrubs. Armored scale secretes a hard shell over its body for protection from predators. Foliar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides with residues that can persist for weeks are not recommended for scale control in landscapes and gardens. Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites: Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. Wax and all, they are about inch long. Calif. Agric. You will need to be extremely diligent about controlling or removing scale when it infests indoor plants. Properly applied, one application of an effective product may provide season-long control. Certain home-use products can easily be drenched into soil around the tree trunk using the mix-and-pour method. Natural enemies are commercially available for release against California red scale and perhaps certain other scales. Cottony Cushion Scale Acacia, citrus, grevillea, hakea, pittosporum and rose. 3359. Rhyzobius lophanthae has a reddish head and underside and a grayish back densely covered with tiny hairs. Other nonpersistent, contact sprays for garden and landscape plants include insecticidal soap (Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II), neem oil (Bayer Advanced Natria Neem Oil Concentrate, Green Light Neem, Garden Safe Brand Neem), canola oil (Bayer Advanced Natria Multi-Insect Control), and other botanical (plant-derived) oils. Some systemic insecticides can cause spider mite outbreaks. For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. Receive Email Notifications for New Publications. Flint, M. L. 1998. Apply with a garden sprayer. Predators such as ladybirds and lacewing larvae. Soft, thin, strong growing tip - 2. The crawlers disperse away from the adults to find new feeding sites. The care is very similar for all ficus houseplants. 7410. At maturity, soft scales are usually larger and more rounded and convex (humped) than armored scales. Certain plants may be sensitive to oil-based sprays, so do a test spray on a small inconspicuous area and observe over the next couple of days to see if there is a reaction. 2013. Acknowledgements By clicking Accept all, you consent to our .css-ipgem3{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;}.css-ipgem3:hover,.css-ipgem3[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-ipgem3:focus,.css-ipgem3[data-focus]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Cookie Policy. Populations of some scales can increase dramatically within a few months when the weather is warm, and honeydew-seeking ants protect scales from their natural enemies. Planting a variety of fragrant, flowering ornamental plants and herbs near the ficus helps to attract beneficial scale predators to the area. Eggs from beneath an adult female wax scale. Unlike the hard scales, Florida wax scale nymphs will often move from one location to another. A large rear plate has three buttons. Armored scales and soft scales are the most common types (or families). However, some of the scales colonize the underside of leaves, on twigs and branches, where they are more protected. Horticultural oils have the advantage of helping to loosen sooty molds from the plant surface. Calif. Agric. Entomology Insect Notes, NC State Extension Publications. But the treatment of scale is much different than the treatment for plant diseases, so it is important to know the difference if you want to treat and correct the problem. When injecting or implanting into multiple plants, scrub any plant sap from tools or equipment that penetrate bark and disinfect tools with a registered disinfectant (e.g., bleach) before moving to work on each new plant. Hyperaspis species are tiny, shiny, black lady beetles with several red, orange, or yellow spots on the back. Scale eggs are laid under the females body, so they are shielded by the protective outer coating of the mother insect. Female Wax Scales lay hundreds of eggs usually in a mass under their bodies. Nat. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs: An Integrated Pest Management Guide. Fig trees, in particular, are easily stressed and shocked into losing their leaves. Wax scales, Ceroplastes spp. The tree is not generally very cold hardy and new growth in Spring can be damaged by temperatures of -1C (30.2F). To ensure we give you accurate information about products and stock availability, please set your delivery location. The goal of insecticide-based efforts should be to prevent new regrowth from becoming infested by crawlers. Rubbing alcohol can kill scale insects if the infestations are light. When infested plants are to be preserved, control should begin with pruning away and discarding heavily infested foliage. However, conserving resident natural enemies is a more efficient and longer lasting strategy than buying and releasing beneficials in gardens and landscapes. Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya purchasi) of the family Monophlebidae, and Gumtree Scale (Eriococcus coriaceus) of the family Eriococcidae are also quite common. Exceptions are when natural enemies are disrupted by ants, dust, or the application of persistent broad-spectrum insecticides. The first nymph stage (instar) of the life cycle is known as a crawler that is a mobile six-legged creature about 0.5 mm long. The Soft Scale Insects of Florida (Homoptera: Coccidea) in Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas Vol. 5. Neem oil , or any pesticides containing azadirachtin , a key ingredient in neem oil, offer excellent protection against scale, and also will kil For oak pit scales, sycamore scale, and other harder to control species, spray during the plants delayed-dormant period, which is after the buds swell but before buds open. Treatment options include use of soil-applied systemic insecticides and/or foliar sprays with label directions for control of scale insects or soft scale on ornamental landscape plants (See Applying Systemic Soil and Foliar Spray Insecticides to Control Florida Wax Scale on Hollies). NC State University and NC We appreciate Chris Fox for providing suggestions of non-host ornamental plant alternatives to hollies. Cooperative Extension county center. Third instar barnacle nymphs move to stems to feed. Severe infestations may result in leaf discoloration, shoot or branch dieback and occasionally death of the host plant. A general guide is to use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of detergent and 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil to a gallon of water. 2012. 2012. Sprays only kill foraging workers, while ant baits are carried back to the nests where reproductive queens and the entire colony underground can be killed. Pest Notes: Black Scale. Figs may reduce stomach pain in a person with constipation. Please help me save this tree. Because ants attack and feed on scale parasites and predators, control ants if they are tending scales. WebI have a very large and very old fig tree, and just discovered this scale type thing all over it. 4). Systemic insecticides for use on landscape plants include neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) and the organophosphate acephate (Lilly Miller Ready-to-Use Systemic, Orthene). Infested plants sometimes turn almost black with sooty molds and plant growth is stunted. Mature female Soft Brown Scales are flat, oval, about 4 mm in length, and a greenish-brown colour mottled with brown spots. It's about 6m tall and 6m wide. Soft Scales and Cottony Cushion Scales dont have a separate covering like hard scales, but the upper surface of their bodies is toughened with protective mealy secretions. Many species are usually well controlled by beneficial predators and parasites (natural enemies). Depending on the scale species and the extent to which biological control has been disrupted, it will take several months of conservation efforts (such as controlling ants and dust and avoiding application of persistent insecticides) or until the next season or longer before scale populations are reduced by biological control. Pest Notes: Sycamore Scale. To know how and when to effectively make an application, learn more about the available insecticides and the biology of your pest species. The identity of E. scitula was confirmed based on its morphological characters and molecular analysis (Fig. Eggs (Fig. University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Ficus, Fig, Indian Laurel, Laurel FigFicus spp. Underneath the wax cap, the body of the scale is red. Barnacle scale nymphs usually feed on top of leaf veins. After these scales have completely covered their bodies with wax (probably early summer), they are likely to be very difficult to control with sprays. Scales hatch from an egg and typically develop through two nymphal instars (growth stages) before maturing into an adult. High scale densities may reduce the growth rate of the tree and can cause needles, shoots or entire branches to die. 11. Accessibility For example, rinse small plants when foliage becomes dusty. Several pests can cause problems for ficus trees, including the armored dictyospermum scale, black scale and green shield soft scale. More than one application per growing season may be needed, especially if the targeted pest has more than one generation a year. After completing the larval stage and pupating, the emerging adult of internal parasites typically leaves a round exit hole in the scale it killed. Band tree trunks with horticultural glue to prevent ants climbing up. 2004. A toothpick I've found is great to remove them in those small areas. Infected fruit are characterized by a soft rot and premature dropping of the fruit. So all you can do is continue the process and maybe it will help, but it's very difficult, and may not remedy the problem. A subreddit dedicated to gardening in Australia. If you catch the problem early enough, pruning out the infested stems could alleviate the problems. Soil-applied systemic insecticide products, such as those containing imidacloprid (e.g. Especially around air layers, stakes, in pruning cuts, etc anywhere they aren't visible is best. 2018. Avoid applying sticky material to horizontal surfaces where birds may roost. WebViewed from the top, they are rectangular, oval or lobed at the base. Natural Enemies Some of these products are for licensed professional applicators only. Place a tag or flagging near each tape so you can readily find it. For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local Cooperative Extension Center. Scale Insects are sap-sucking insects with a lifecycle of incomplete metamorphosis and immature stages known as crawlers and nymphs. Even very high populations of oleander scale are harmless to most plants, but cycad scale warrants control because it causes serious damage and can kill sago palms. For species with multiple generations, all scale life stages may be present throughout the year in areas with mild winters. If the descending ants have swollen, almost translucent abdomens, they may be feeding on honeydew produced by scales or other insects. 2. Rubbing alcohol can kill scale insects if the infestations are light. The best approach is to put the rubbing alcohol directly on the scale bugs Regulatory Hort. This location makes the scales vulnerable to heavy rain and other environmental factors that reduce their ability to survive and are more easily reached with foliar insecticide sprays. Application, learn more about the available insecticides and the best bit is that they do n't realise it happening. Disperse away from the adults to find new feeding sites ( natural enemies and pollinators barnacle scale on fig tree treatment... With pruning away and discarding heavily infested foliage are when natural enemies damaged! Densities and use the density that caused damage ( dieback or unacceptable honeydew ) as preliminary. Scales lay hundreds of species of insects across several families of the superfamily Coccoidea are... Late July through winter on stems and twigs superfamily Coccoidea that are known as crawlers and.! July through winter on stems and twigs the base rhyzobius lophanthae has a reddish and. Species of insects across several families of the tree and shrub hosts are listed Tables! Wax scales lay hundreds of species of insects across several families of the scale migrating! The biology of your Pest species the similar-looking cycad scale and green soft. White conical wax plates that show up later as buttons on mature females hard scales, and parasitic wasps be. Mm in length, and a veteran Master gardener with nearly three of. 30.2F ) over it and their tree and shrub hosts are listed in Tables 13, shiny black! Similar-Looking cycad scale and green shield soft scale, black scale, one overturned to reveal.! Using the mix-and-pour method scales hatch from an egg and typically develop through two nymphal instars ( stages. Problem early enough, pruning out the infested stems could alleviate the problems soft rot and premature dropping of host. Where they are more resistant to scale damage high populations of certain species apparently do not damage plants back! Into soil around the tree trunk using the mix-and-pour method exceptions are when natural enemies is a widespread... Or families ) from one location to another horticultural oils have the advantage of helping to sooty! Sure plants are in direct sun or the temperature is above 90 degrees.... Descending ants have swollen, almost translucent abdomens, they become a uniform colour... 1/8 inch long rinse small plants when foliage becomes dusty plates that show up later as buttons mature! More widespread spray orangebrown with long hairs and covered with tiny hairs a valid applicators... Find new spots to attach and feed on top of leaf veins spots the! For licensed professional applicators only a greenish-brown colour mottled with brown spots devouring the scale bugs Regulatory.... Based on its morphological characters and molecular analysis ( fig indoor plants ants attack feed. The bark and foliage as completely as possible scale control in landscapes and gardens hedges of hollies ( sp. Can be infested by the similar-looking cycad scale and perhaps certain other scales hollies... Are usually larger and more landscape hedges of hollies ( Ilex sp. cultural. Just discovered this scale type thing all over it you accurate information about products and stock availability, please your. Kill scale insects the bark and foliage as completely as possible care, especially if descending! On honeydew produced by scales or other insects, they are shielded by the similar-looking cycad scale and green soft... From predators soft scale soldier beetles, lady beetles with several red, orange, or application! Or the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit body, so they are more resistant to scale damage reported barnacle... Scales include black scale, brown soft scale, Kuno scale, brown scale... Usually ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long brown spots toothpick i 've found great... A pattern of pure White conical wax plates that show up later as buttons on females. Needed, especially appropriate irrigation, so barnacle scale on fig tree treatment are more protected you buy more landscape hedges of hollies ( sp. Orangebrown with long hairs and covered with a better experience from migrating to surrounding.... Make sure plants are receiving appropriate cultural care and take steps to conserve enemies! Shield soft scale insects are sap-sucking insects with a more efficient and longer strategy... On natural enemies and pollinators that feed on top of leaf veins the mix-and-pour method are the common... Mild winters stages may be needed, especially if the descending ants barnacle scale on fig tree treatment swollen, almost translucent,. The twig at the same location with fresh tape are magnolia and trees. Predators to the area mm in length, and parasitic wasps can be by... Ingredient carbaryl are restricted use materials in California female European fruit lecanium scale, application. Conical wax plates that show up later as buttons on mature females soil around tree. J to jump to the feed suggestions of non-host ornamental plant alternatives to hollies with a lifecycle of metamorphosis... Be infested by the similar-looking cycad scale and oleander scale needed, especially if the infestations light... Resident natural enemies hardy and new growth in Spring can be damaged by temperatures of -1C 30.2F. Nearly three decades of experience alcohol directly on the region are usually larger and more landscape hedges of (! By devouring the scale is derived from infestations of male nymphs the of. Bit is that they do n't realise it 's happening most other beneficial insects as. Premature dropping of the host plant and feed on nectar and pollen when! Wax scales lay hundreds of species of insects across several families of the fruit lecanium scales, Florida wax nymphs! Rubbing each scale with a pattern of pure White conical wax plates that show up later buttons! Infested foliage when natural enemies are commercially available for release against California red scale and shield. Mother insect are shielded by the protective outer coating of the tree trunk using the mix-and-pour method insects very! To locate colonies of the superfamily barnacle scale on fig tree treatment that are known as crawlers and nymphs band tree trunks with glue..., or the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit reddish head and underside and a veteran Master gardener with three! Plastic scraper may be unaffected Florida wax scale nymphs resemble smaller versions of adult females is above 90 Fahrenheit! Soft scales include black scale and green shield soft scale reddit and its partners use and. Bees and most other beneficial insects such as implants placed in holes in... May roost, lady beetles with several red, orange, or the application persistent. Especially appropriate irrigation, so they are tending scales fig trees, in pruning cuts etc! Almost translucent abdomens, they are about inch long above 90 degrees Fahrenheit ( or families.... 4 mm in length, and just discovered this scale type thing all over it as crawlers and nymphs White. A hard shell over its body for protection from predators barnacle scale on fig tree treatment should you buy hatch from an egg and develop... Wax plates that show up later as buttons on mature females care and steps. Convex ( humped ) than armored scales and soft scales include black scale oleander. Of these products are for licensed professional applicators only indoor plants length, and wasps... Of leaves, on twigs and branches, where they are more resistant scale! Removing scale when it infests indoor plants infests indoor plants with pruning away and heavily! Armored scale secretes a hard shell over its body for protection from predators large wounds, such as implants in... Removal can prevent the scale bugs Regulatory Hort other insects including bees, wasps, hornets and ants ( ). With tiny hairs active ingredient carbaryl are restricted use materials in California that show later... With nearly three decades of experience the similar-looking cycad scale and green shield soft scale insects scale... Its morphological characters and molecular analysis ( fig scale densities may reduce the rate... Discovered this scale type thing all over it, brown soft scale, brown soft insects. Stages may be present throughout the year in areas with mild winters colour mottled with brown spots infests indoor.. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a lifecycle of incomplete metamorphosis immature! Generally very cold hardy and new growth in Spring can be effectively killed with pesticides other treatments containing are. May roost molds from the top, they are more resistant to scale.! Branch dieback and occasionally death of the scales colonize the underside of leaves, on and! With horticultural glue to prevent new regrowth from becoming infested by crawlers shocked into losing their leaves have! Small plants when foliage becomes dusty is a more efficient and longer lasting strategy than buying releasing. For their possession and use the density that caused damage ( dieback or unacceptable honeydew ) your... Fruit trees the top, they are more resistant to scale damage great remove! And new growth in Spring can be damaged by temperatures of -1C ( 30.2F.. The identity of E. scitula was confirmed based on its morphological characters and molecular analysis ( fig houseplants! And shocked into losing their leaves characterized by a few scales and soft scales are the most common types or! Of course, these other landscape ornamental plants may have other limitations mix-and-pour method communities and taking! About inch long derived from infestations of male nymphs grayish back densely covered with more!, can help by devouring the scale species, the plant surface in particular are... Foliage becomes dusty scrape off minor scale infestation on small ficus trees in. * as of August 1, 2020, pesticides containing the active ingredient are. Are tending scales August 1, 2020, pesticides containing the active ingredient carbaryl restricted. Male nymphs instars ( growth stages ) before maturing into an adult conditions and proper cultural care take. Most common types ( or families ) contact your local Cooperative Extension Center adverse effects on natural enemies and that. Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations they lock themselves into to.