Armored Scale

Scale is found in multiple species. Oyster shell scale, which looks like its namesake, San Jose Scale, gloomy scale, which favors maple trees, and Tea scale, which is common on camellias. As their name suggests, armored scale has tough plate-like outer coverings that protect their soft insides. Young nymphs, or "crawlers," will be mobile for one to two days before planting themselves at an ideal feeding site where they will stay to feed on the plant's soft tissue. Scale spreads by wind, propagation, and contaminated tools. It is essential to continue until the infestation is gone, as scale forms multiple generations on top of each other.

Other than being unsightly, scale can cause a decline in health and distortion. To control scale cut infested branches or dispose of heavily affected plants. Check equipment and containers to ensure infestation does not spread. We recommend neem oil to suffocate any remaining bugs.