Bug Me Not

Scale insects are a serious threat to plant health. Although reducing their population may take several years, don’t be discouraged. Your local, licensed Davey service professional can help.

WHERE THEY’RE HIDING

Scale insects appear on bark, leaves, twigs and needles. They anchor into the plant’s vascular tissue with their thread-like mouth parts while feeding.

Two general groups of scale insects exist:

• Armored scales | a hard, protective covering; do not produce honeydew
• Soft scales | larger, rounder, with a flexible, waxy covering directly connected to the insect’s body; excretes excess sap as honeydew

WHEN SCALE INSECTS ATTACK

Severe scale insect infestations cause:

• Premature leaf drop and branch dieback
• Canopy thinning
• Undersized and sometimes yellow-mottled leaves
• Black leaves, bark, sidewalks and other surfaces from sooty mold growth

WHAT TO DO

Reducing large populations may take several treatments per year and several years to achieve. To determine the best solution to your tree and landscape concerns, contact your local, licensed Davey service professional.

Visit www.davey.com/bugs for more information.