Identifying Cottony/Cushion Scale

cottony cushion scale feeding on leaf

Cottony scales are a highly visible plant-pest in the summer. This insect feeds on a wide variety of shrubs and trees, some on the underside of leaves and some on the bark. The honeydew created by the cottony scales invite sooty mold and other pests and just gets everything sticky and dirty!

To control the spread of this pest and minimize damage from feeding, simply blast them off with a strong stream of cold water from the hose! When growing infestation levels make this impractical, contact us for organic insecticidal soap applications. Dormant oil applications in early spring will also help best cottony scales.

cottony scale on holly

Check these plants for this fast-spreading scale with its trademark fried egg appearance.

• Maple

• Holly

• Camelia

• Hydrangea

• Yew

• Cherry

• Linden

• Rose

• Magnolia

  And many more!