Question
Damaged bush
I have raised white spots, almost like little circular pods all over the limbs of my ornamental bushes. They have spread onto my trees and flowers also. They are about a centimeter wide and stand off the stem about 1/8 an inch. They are sort of wrapped onto the stems of the plant. When I pull them off of the stem, the underside of the white growth is reddish color in the center. They have a spongy consistency. They have been there for a couple of years, but I have noticed that they are spreading onto other bushes and plants. I do not know whether it is a disease or insect cocoon of some sort. The bushes are beginning to die. Please help!
AnswerEve:
Thanks for your photo. These are scale insects. Called wax scale. Common on many ornamentals. They make their living by sucking plant juices. Several insecticides available. Check in with your local garden center or nursery for their suggestions. There are horticultural oils and insecticides with imidachloropid as the active ingredient in them that are labeled. Also See BAYER ADVANCED INSECT CONTROL FOR TREES AND SHRUBS. Be sure to read label.
Steve
