Just got back from 3 weeks overseas, and I noticed some white "stuff" covering 1 out of 3 shrubs in the front yard.... I think it might be Scale Insects, but before I proceed with getting rid of it I'd like to find out if I'm on the right track....
Thanks in advance for any opinions!
it's pseudaulacaspis pentagona.
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/scales/white_peach_scale03.htm
http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5292061
Yes, it is insect scale. We had the exact same scale here, and it came close to killing our shrub. I was able to treat the bush and revive it by spraying on a heavy coating of agricultural oil, such as Bonide All Seasons Oil. Spray the oil in the evening or during an overcast day, and try to get 100% coverage on all leaves and branches. Repeat in a few weeks. Your plant, if it is not too late, will come around and grow new leaves in about a month or less. Do it soon, though!
-Bill
PS: Also brutally trim back as much of the dead and dying branches as you dare before you spray, which will improve oil coverage, and also give the plant more strength to survive.
This message was edited Aug 19, 2011 12:03 PM
