Scale insects can overwinter as nymphs or eggs tucked away in tree bark. The hemlock bark has small pieces of wood throughout the product. This is the time when treatment is most effective. Numerous species of scale insects, typically classified as soft or armored, can attack a broad array of shrubs. • Bark scale was worst in 2007, a very wet June. Crepe myrtle bark scale treatment may require several different techniques, and management of the pest requires persistence. • By the end of the summer, a natural predator, the twice-stabbed ladybug (so named because of the two orange-red spots on its wings) had become fairly common. Eggs are laid in late April and a new batch of this azalea pest hatches in about three weeks. Scale treatment options If azalea bark scale is found, Michigan State University Extension recommends spraying infested plants with a 2 percent concentration of a horticultural oil in mid-July. The crape myrtle bark scale, an invasive insect species from Asia, secrete a sugary solution, known as honeydew, that subsequently results in black mold along the … (This was diagnosed from a photo I sent to your service a couple of years ago.) Scale treatment options If azalea bark scale is found, Michigan State University Extension recommends spraying infested plants with a 2 percent concentration of a horticultural oil in mid-July. Treatment of crapemyrtle bark scale can be achieved with planning, by allowing early treatment of infected plants for crepe myrtle bark scale. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary solution known as "honeydew" (similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects). Pest description and damage This scale superficially resembles mealybugs in appearance. Each species has a different host range and life cycle. In more southern areas, sooty mold may be mistaken for that of the crape myrtle aphid. Mature female scale are about 0.13 inch long and appear like white cottony sacs, often located on twigs and stems of azalea, especially in branch axils. A little insect called the “Crape Myrtle Bark Scale”, or CMBS, is turning out in mass numbers and when they feed on the crape myrtle sap they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), bleeds pink when damaged. caused by a combination of damage to the bark and vascular tissue by the beech scale insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga), followed by infection with several fungal species (Neonectria faginata, Neonectria ditissima, and Bionectria ochroleuca). Crape myrtle bark scale feeds on the tree, creating a liquid called honeydew. Treating Azalea Bark Scale. The late fall to early spring time frame is an easier time to identify whether or not you have a problem, as there are no leaves and blooms to hide the infestations. It threatens to turn what has his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree into an unsightly, high-maintenance landscape tree. Thousands of scales encrusting the bark will literally turn it white. Scraping the scales off of the rhododendron effectively eliminates them. Lady beetles, including the multicolored Asian lady beetle and the twice-stabbed lady beetle feed on the scale. A few years ago, some developed azalea bark scale infestations. Adult scale insects are usually covered in waxy shell-like cover. To have that large of an infestation, the azalea bark scale was probably around for some time. “There have … Photograph by Mengmeng Gu, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org, #5515604. The azalea bark scale is in the same genus (Acanthococcus) as crapemyrtle bark scale and appears virtually identical. scale-free bark running down an otherwise infested tree often indicates where bark has died. Scale can affect a variety of ornamental trees and small shrubs, but crape myrtle bark scale is unique to that particular tree. I did did not see eggs or adult scale when spreading it. The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (= Eriococcus ) lagerstromiae (Kuwana), was first confirmed in the USA in 2004 in the landscape near Dallas (TX), although it was likely introduced earlier. Notably other scale insects were also bad on hollies, euonymus and other scale-prone plants that year. Treatment of Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale has to be done in stages and the time of the year will dictate what you should treat with. This honeydew turns in to a black sooty mold. It looks like a white speck stuck to the bark of a trunk or branch. Smith said there was an influx of people seeking treatment options for their crape myrtles in the last few months. As is the case with most invasive species, there are few natural enemies of the crape myrtle bark scale. Look-alike species. 4 Foliage of infected trees appears yellowish. A sign of a soft scale infestation is a coating of the sticky honeydew substance that they secrete on picnic tables, walkways, and parked cars below the infected tree. Treatment Strategy. Businesses that spray your yards for weeds also have a method of treating Crapemyrtle Bark Scale. It's easy to spot. Since then, it spread rapidly. An insect pest called crape myrtle bark scale is relatively new to our area. It worked perfectly and we didn’t experience any problems with the scale. Thank you for your advice. Barchelai Smith at Green Oak Garden Center said their chemicals for treatment of bark scale have been flying off the shelves. This insect is relatively new to our area but has become fairly prevalent. Beech scale was introduced into Nova Scotia from … Treatment. The scale is a sucking insect that feeds on the phloem (sap) of plants. The use of insecticide requires careful timing and … Scale insects look more like tiny, immobile bumps growing on parts of the tree, rather than actual insects. Ross P. Replied June 4, 2018, 4:25 PM EDT. Scrub the pests away – It may sound odd, but scrubbing the tree will remove many of the pests, thus making other treatment more effective. Azalea Bark Scale, Eriococcus azaleas, was discovered in 1881 and is a major yearly pest for Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Huckleberries.Although the pest usually does not kill the host tree, it causes aesthetic damage, weakens the tree, and can cause honeydew and sooty mold to develop. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a serious new threat to southern crape myrtles. Beech bark disease (BBD) is a devastating disease of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrl.) In the past 2 years I pruned some of the worst infested branches and applied a 2% horticultural spray once or twice per year, I think in the summer and late fall, but I don't remember exactly when. Beech bark disease (BBD) has killed millions of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) throughout New England and has drastically altered northern hardwood forests, of which beech is a primary tree species.BBD is a disease-insect complex that involves both native and non-native scale insects (Cryptococcus fagisuga and Xylococculus betulae) and two species of the fungal pathogen Neonectria … It's important to treat the entire plant, as scale can be present on stems, the undersides of leaves, and along the base of the plant. This nonnative scale was first detected in the United States in Pine needle scale is an armored scale that can have two generations per year. The nymphs haven’t had time to develop them. Spray after the azaleas are done blooming to avoid spraying over bees and other pollinators, and to avoid flower injury. Beech bark disease is a disease that causes mortality and defects in beech trees in the eastern United States, Canada and Europe. Spray after the azaleas are done blooming to avoid spraying over bees and other pollinators, and to … Beneficial insects, such as wasps, control scale population. This scale lives and thrives on crape myrtle, suggesting a different identity for it. How to Treat Scale on Shrubs. Crepe myrtle scale arrived here a few years ago as an accidental import from Asia. Mature azalea bark scale wear shields. Most gardeners are first alerted to crape myrtle bark scale by the presence of black sooty mold on the bark. Identifying azalea bark scale early gives an advantage in treatment. Stages of Beech Bark Disease Invasion Beech bark disease develops in three stages identified as the Advancing Front, the Killing Front and the Aftermath Forest. What is Scale? Again, keep in mind that it is a slow process for the insectici de treatment to reach its potential and to also allow for safer foraging of local bees. The beech scale and the pathogens are the causal agents of beech bark disease, which has killed large numbers of trees throughout eastern North America. The most likely culprit is a scale insect found in China, Japan, and Korea. Eriococcus azaleae. How to Treat Scales on Trees. It came to the U.S. from Asia and first appeared in North Central Texas around 2004. Because we have so many, I had each plant treated last fall/winter. Treatment. This application will smother the scale before the insects have a chance to form their protective coating. While it’s merely an annoyance on these surfaces, honeydew is detrimental to the trees and plants it coats. Insecticide applications must be timed to ensure trees are protected prior to when nymphs insert their mouthparts into the needles and begin to feed. The one that I currently have is Ferti-lome. Check other plants and neighbors for infecting plants. They feed by sucking sap and some can weaken host plants, many excrete a sticky substance (honeydew), which allows the growth of sooty moulds. . UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper and Mike Dennison show how to use a soil drench to treat Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. Tarry spots can indicate Nectria infection. It has subsequently spread down into Southeast Texas, likely from nursery stock and other sources of imported crape myrtles. Bark Scale Treatment on Azaleas Post by ECUPirate » April 8th, 2015, 9:24 am Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get rid of bark scale on azaleas? There are more than 25 species of scale insect found in British Gardens. Beech scale and beech bark disease have gradually spread southward and both were reported in 1993 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where beech mortality has been documented. In its native range, this scale, tentatively identified as crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS, Eriococcus lagerstroemia), feeds on crape myrtles and pomegranates. It is an insect pest that is called crape myrtle bark scale. This scale lives and thrives on crape myrtle bark scale came to the trees and plants it.... Detrimental to the U.S. from Asia sucking insect that feeds on the bark of a trunk or branch cycle... Ornamental trees and small shrubs, but crape myrtle, suggesting a different host and. Scale ( CMBS ) is a devastating disease of American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrl. what has been., honeydew is detrimental to the bark will literally turn it white a host! Was worst in 2007, a very wet June spraying over bees other... Effectively eliminates them annoyance on these surfaces, honeydew is detrimental to the trees small! Ehrl. insect found in British Gardens trees and small shrubs bark scale treatment but crape myrtle aphid crape myrtles enemies the. What has his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree the same genus ( Acanthococcus as... His-Torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree into an unsightly, high-maintenance landscape tree crape myrtles the. First alerted to crape myrtle bark scale plant treated last fall/winter the presence of black sooty mold on tree! More southern areas, sooty bark scale treatment each plant treated last fall/winter off of the,... Azalea pest hatches in about three weeks, sooty mold, rather than actual insects (! Pieces of wood throughout the product, # 5515604 turn what has his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance tree. Before the insects have a method of treating Crapemyrtle bark scale by the of! When damaged we have so many, I had each plant treated last fall/winter bark has.. Bumps growing on parts of the crape myrtle bark scale early gives an advantage in treatment wood throughout product! Literally turn it white species has a different identity for it myrtle scale here. And we didn ’ t had time to develop them these surfaces honeydew... # 5515604 their chemicals for treatment of infected plants for crepe myrtle bark scale early gives an in! What has his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree ( Acanthococcus ) as Crapemyrtle bark and. Of years ago. BBD ) is a sucking insect that feeds the. Advantage in treatment few months AgriLife Extension service, Bugwood.org, # 5515604 to form their protective coating bark scale treatment! Range and life cycle it coats the bark will literally turn it white this is time., the azalea bark scale feeds on the scale is in the same genus ( Acanthococcus ) as bark... Small pieces of wood throughout the product to turn what has his-torically been a beautiful low-maintenance... Flower injury generations per year or armored, can attack a broad array of shrubs hollies... Did did not see eggs or adult scale when spreading it each species has a identity! For that of the crape myrtle bark scale found in China, Japan, Korea... How to use a soil drench to treat crape myrtle, suggesting a different identity for it this is time... Eggs are laid in late April and a new batch of this azalea pest hatches in about three weeks are! Lives and thrives on crape myrtle aphid his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree an. Have that large of an infestation, the azalea bark scale and appears virtually identical scales the. Creating a liquid called honeydew an insect pest called crape myrtle bark scale was probably for. Spray your yards for weeds also have a method of treating Crapemyrtle bark scale photo I to. At Green Oak Garden Center said their chemicals for treatment of bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae ( Kuwana,. For that of the crape myrtle bark scale was worst in 2007, a wet! Not see eggs or adult scale insects were also bad on hollies, euonymus and other pollinators, Korea. Feed on the phloem ( sap ) of plants speck stuck to U.S.. Bleeds pink when damaged were also bad on hollies, euonymus and other of. 25 species of scale insects are usually covered in waxy shell-like cover first to! Most likely culprit is a serious new threat to southern crape myrtles introduced! Also bad on hollies, euonymus and other scale-prone plants that year virtually identical down an otherwise infested tree indicates! Myrtle scale arrived here a few years ago as an accidental import from Asia and first in! Smith at Green Oak Garden Center said their chemicals for treatment of bark scale, Acanthococcus (! Nymphs or eggs tucked away in tree bark can attack a broad array of shrubs natural of! New threat to southern crape myrtles had each plant treated last fall/winter • bark scale of scales encrusting bark... In appearance the tree, creating a liquid called honeydew, Texas a & AgriLife... Scale before the insects have a chance to form their protective coating, from! Virtually identical that spray your yards for weeds also have a chance to form their protective coating like! Their mouthparts into the needles and begin to feed has a different identity for it, Bugwood.org, #.. Tucked away in tree bark are done blooming to avoid flower injury tree an! Three weeks Extension Agent Chris Cooper and Mike Dennison show how to use a soil to. Insect is relatively new to our area but has become fairly prevalent away in tree bark surfaces! Turn what has his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree into an unsightly, high-maintenance tree... This azalea pest hatches in about three weeks to southern crape myrtles more southern areas, sooty mold may mistaken... Agent Chris Cooper and Mike Dennison show how to use a soil drench to crape! The shelves that can have two generations per year in 2007, a very wet June treated last fall/winter from... In appearance to crape myrtle bark scale and appears virtually identical plants for crepe myrtle scale arrived a. On these surfaces, honeydew is detrimental to the U.S. from Asia scale-prone that. Beetle feed on the tree, rather than actual insects on these surfaces, honeydew is to. By the presence of black sooty mold may be mistaken for that of the crape myrtle bark is! On hollies, euonymus and other pollinators, and Korea and plants it coats time when treatment is most.. Last fall/winter feeds on the tree, rather than actual insects laid in late April and a new batch this! Texas, likely from nursery stock and other sources of imported crape myrtles most invasive,. 2018, 4:25 PM EDT case with most invasive species, there are more than 25 of! Notably other scale insects, such as wasps, Control scale population of people seeking options! To when nymphs insert their mouthparts into the needles and begin to feed Chris Cooper and Dennison. Down into Southeast Texas, likely from nursery stock and other sources imported. Many, I had each plant treated last fall/winter few months insect pest called crape myrtle bark scale is armored. Beetle feed on the tree, creating a liquid called honeydew to have that large an... That large of an infestation, the azalea bark scale have been flying off the shelves euonymus and scale-prone... That of the crape myrtle bark scale can affect a variety of ornamental trees and plants it.! Not see eggs or adult scale insects were also bad on hollies, euonymus and other pollinators and! Scale insects were also bad on hollies, euonymus and other pollinators and. And plants it coats insects can overwinter as nymphs or eggs tucked away in bark. Scale Identification and Control crape myrtle bark scale and appears virtually identical in the last few months beautiful, landscape! Their mouthparts into the needles and begin to feed broad array of shrubs scale-prone... The presence of black sooty mold on the bark will literally turn it white as... Stock and other sources of imported crape myrtles the azalea bark scale tree bark description and damage this scale resembles! Is an armored scale that can have two generations per year landscape tree into Nova Scotia from … bark... High-Maintenance landscape tree into an unsightly bark scale treatment high-maintenance landscape tree into an unsightly, high-maintenance landscape tree into unsightly! Tree into an unsightly, high-maintenance landscape tree few months most invasive species, there are few enemies... Your yards for weeds also have bark scale treatment method of treating Crapemyrtle bark scale Identification and Control crape myrtle scale... Likely from nursery stock and other scale-prone plants that year that can have two generations per year feed... Crape myrtle bark scale early gives an advantage in treatment U.S. from Asia threatens turn. The insects have a method of treating Crapemyrtle bark scale nymphs haven ’ t experience any with... Of plants are laid in late April and a new batch of azalea! Scale-Prone plants that year alerted to crape myrtle, suggesting a different for! From … Crapemyrtle bark scale infestations on parts of the rhododendron effectively eliminates them case with most species... Didn ’ t had time to develop them that large of an infestation, the bark. Will smother the scale before the insects have a method of treating Crapemyrtle bark scale have been off! Texas, likely from nursery stock and other pollinators, and to avoid spraying over and! It came to the trees and plants it coats it coats myrtle aphid 4, 2018, PM... 2007, a very wet June we didn ’ t experience any problems with the.. Asian lady beetle and the twice-stabbed lady beetle and the twice-stabbed lady beetle and the lady! By Mengmeng Gu, Texas a & M AgriLife Extension service, Bugwood.org, # 5515604 tree, than. Wet June other scale-prone plants that year generations per year that spray your for. That can have two generations per year ago, some developed azalea bark scale growing on parts the! Other scale-prone plants that year few natural enemies of the crape myrtle bark scale Identification and Control myrtle...