Question
QUESTION: I am horrified to see what I do think is azalea felt scale on my beautiful crepe myrtle.  I plan to treat it with a systemic insecticide tomorrow.  Do I have to use a pump sprayer?  How can I prevent it?  I had huge Mexican sunflowers around it (6-8 feet tall) and think that the lack of air circulation was probably bad for the tree so I tore them out tonight.  Once you have this problem, will it occur each year?  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Marcia:
Another treatment option is to use a product that you mix w/water then apply to the soil. Roots take up the insecticide. The product is: BAYER ADVANCED GARDEN TREE AND SHRUB INSECT CONTROL.  It comes in a blue plastic bottle and is available at many large box stores and local nurseries and garden centers.  This product contains the insecticide called Imidacloprid. One treatment will last several months. Be sure to read the mixing instructions on the bottle.

Regards
Steve

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QUESTION: I've also noticed some leaf insect damage to my red oak tree.  It was planted less than two years ago and is about 12-15 feet tall.  Would this product also be good for it?  Thanks again.  Marcia

P.S.  I've gardened for 40 years in several states.  Things grow really well in Texas in the heat, however, the insects are challenging to say the least.

Answer
Marcia:
It is best to get the "critter" identified first. You can collect some of these and carry them by your local nursery for an ID or contact your local county Agricultural Extension office for the same information. Every county has an office.

Be sure to read the label. It should give a list of insects that it is effective for and plants it is safe for.

Steve