Question
Infected plant
We have a golden euonymus plant and there are white and black bumps all over the leaves and branches. It is making the leaves fall off quickly and its spreading very fast. We tried spraying an insect killer but it doesnt seem to be working. I think it might be Scales infestation but im not sure.
AnswerBreanna:
These are scale insects- probably tea scale. The infestation looks heavy. In my part of the world, they can eventually debilitate the shrub severely- beyond saving if allowed to progress substantially. If they are real bad, you may try pruning the shrub back, dispose of the branches that you prune out (assuming the shrub is well established in your landscape). If the temperatures have not reached 80 degrees in your area during the day, you can obtain and try a horticultural oil such as Volck (see your garden center/nursery)or a product called Orthene.
Bayer Advanced Garden Tree and Shrub Insect Control is another product to consider. Comes in a blue plastic bottle and is expensive. The product is mixed with water and applied to the soil under the plant. Be sure to read the label completely before you use this stuff. It will take a while to start working.
Keep in mind that if the plant is very severe, removal followed by replacement may be your best option rather than trying to clear up the existing plant. In other words, it may be too severe to save your plant. Scale is one of the worst insect pests of this plant.
Hope this helps
Steve
