Different species of scale insects attack various kinds of fruits and ornamental plants in all parts of the country. They attach to branches, twigs and the undersides of leaves, appearing as small bumps. Some are flattened and brown, while cottony cushion scale is thick, white and covered with a waxy or woolly substance.

 

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Leaves on infested plants turn yellow and the overall vigor of the plant declines. Severely infested plants may die within several seasons.

Mature females feed, lay eggs and raise families under their protective shells. Eggs hatch into crawlers that feed by sucking plant juices. As they mature, crawlers produce a shell-like covering and lose their legs. There may be several generations per year.

 

Control

Spray horticultural oil as directed on the product label.

 

About National Gardening Association (NGA)

The National Gardening Association (NGA), founded in 1973, is a nonprofit leader in plant-based education. NGA actively works to promote “best practice” principles that result in healthy lawns, gardens and gardeners. They provide tools and resources needed to support gardening as an enjoyable, satisfying and environmentally responsible activity. Visit www.garden.org.