Question
What is a good insectide to use on the shrub to kill the tea scales?
How often do you use it?

Answer
A major problem with tea scale control is that often damage has been
done before the scale infestation is noticed. This means that in spite of
control efforts, the damaged leaves will often be retained by the plant
for at least a season or more. A 2- or 3-year program may be necessary
to bring the infestation to a manageable level.

Add a spreader-sticker to your spray mixture and be sure to direct the
spray to the underside of leaves to obtain better contact of the insecticide
with the scale insects.
 
Under surface of camellia leaf infested
with tea scale (enlarged).

Top surface of camellia leaf damaged
by tea scale.


Beginning in April, use one of the following insecticides two or three times about 2 weeks apart. Fall treatment may also be needed if infestations are heavy.
 

Chemical Amount To Use Per Gallon Of Water
dimethoate (Cygon 2E) 2 t./gal. water or
acephate (Orthene Turf, Tree, and Ornamental Spray) 1 T./gal. water