Question

Pests on catalpa tree.   I live in north Florida, suwannee county. I'm not sure but this looks like scale? Can you identify it and tell me how to treat it!  The main trunk of my little tree has died and now this stuff is spreading... Help!!!

Answer
Ginny,

Yes, this is scale insect. Unfortunately these insects can be fairly difficult to control because of the "shell" they live in. The best time to attempt control is when the young crawler stage is present (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/sca_ins.html for general info about these insects), usually in early spring. Insecticidal soap (http://www.livingwithbugs.com/insecticidal_soap.html) or neem oil (http://www.livingwithbugs.com/neem_oil.html) would be good materials for this application. It may take several years, and several applications each year, to get complete control.

Jack DeAngelis