Question
THE PICTURE OF THE MAGNOLIA SCALE LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING THAT IS ON ALMOST EVERY TREE, BUSH, AND GRAPE VINE IN MY YARD.  IT WAS ON THE CRAPE MYRTLES AND I SPRAYED WITH A BLEACH SOLUTION THAT SEEMED TO HELP.   IF THIS MAGNOLIA SCALE IS INDEED WHAT I HAVE, AND I ALSO SEE IT ON MY MAGNOLIAS, CAN IT SPREAD TO EVERYTHING? WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT ON THE GRAPE VINES?   HELP!

Answer
Hi Fay:

Can you send me a closeup photo of the scale that you are concerned about.  Try to get as close as you can when you take the photo.  Be sure it is in focus before you attach and send.  It is very important to get an accurate ID of the scale in question before prescribing an appropriate treatment.  There are several effective insecticides that can be used, BUT timing their application is important.  Scale insects have a "weak" part of their life cycle- and this is when the application is made.  Usually the crawler stage- that is when the babies hatch and come out from under the protective covering of the mother scale--this is usually the best time to apply.

Lets first get you the correct ID.  Send along a photo.

Regards
Steve