Identifying Scale Infestations in Virginia

pest treatment At Truetimber Arborists, we are passionate about helping Virginia homeowners maintain healthy, thriving trees. One of the most common pests we encounter in the area is scale insects, which can cause significant damage to trees. Brown scale and brown soft scale are common types of scale insects found in Virginia. These tiny pests can be tricky to spot, but with the right knowledge, you can catch them early and protect your trees.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to identify scale infestations, the types of scale species that are common in Virginia, and how Truetimber Arborists can help you address these pests. Brown scale insects are typically identified by their brown, oval-shaped bodies, while brown soft scale insects are widespread and can infest various plant species, including popular houseplants.

What Are Scale Insects?

Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to tree branches, leaves, and stems. They feed by sucking sap from the tree, which can weaken the plant over time and lead to bark discoloration, reduced growth and leaf production, and even tree death in severe cases. Scale insects can also affect indoor plants, causing similar damage.

Soft Scale insects also secrete a liquid, sometimes called honey dew, which will collect on cars, porches, or anything underneath the tree. Honey dew can also attract other insects such as ants. While there are various types of scale insects that produce honeydew , they all share a similar feeding behavior and can damage trees by draining their nutrients and weakening their overall health. Several species of plants, including both indoor and outdoor varieties, can be infested by scale insects.

Common Types of Scale in Virginia

In Virginia, many types of scale insects affect trees, shrubs, and plants. The most common species include:

1. Gloomy Scale (Melanaspis Tenebricosa) – Armored Scales

Gloomy Scale is an armored scale that usually affects Box Elders and Red, Silver, or Freeman Maple trees. As an armored scale, it secretes a hard gray covering called a test that acts as camouflage, often causing infestations to go unnoticed until they are severe. Gloomy Scale over winters in its adult form in their test. In the spring you crawlers emerge and locate new feeding sites. Once they are in a good place, they insert their mouthparts into the bark and feed.

2. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus Lagerstroemiae)

Crape Myrtle Bark Scale are small light colored insects. They have a felt-like appearance and are one of the soft scales in our area. Unlike the hard scales their secretions do not turn into hard coverings but rather a sticky liquid called honey dew. This honey dew can attract ants and other insects. Sometimes, the bark scale and the ants will form a symbiotic relationship where the ants protect the scale in return for the sweet honey dew. You may notice a dark discoloration on the bark of affected Crape Myrtles.

3. White Prunicola Scale (Pseudaulacaspis prunicola)

White Prunicola Scale is a non-native armored scale. It can be difficult to manage because of its waxy test that helps protect the scale from predators and some types of pesticides. Often it looks like white raised dots on the bark of the affected tree. When left untreated, this scale can cause leaf yellowing and shedding, slowed or stunted growth, and ultimately the death of branches.

4. Lecanium Scale (Parthenolecanium corni)

Lecanium Scale is another soft scale that is brown in color and may be found on bushes, trees, and shrubs. By the end of the summer they develop a thin waxy shield. In the Richmond area they are commonly found on oak trees. They may be high up in the canopy but you can identify their presence by laying a sheet or tarp under the canopy of a tree and seeing the honey dew produced by the scale fall to the ground.

5. Brown Scale (Coccus hesperidum)

Brown scale insects are commonly found on indoor plants. They can be identified by their brown, oval-shaped bodies. The lifecycle of brown scale includes both adult and nymph stages, with nymphs being smaller and lighter in color. These insects can cause significant damage to plants by sucking sap from the plant surface , leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

6. Brown Soft Scale (Coccus hesperidum)

Brown soft scale is widespread and can infest a variety of plants, including popular houseplants and tropicals. This pest is known for its ability to thrive on many different plant species. Beneficial parasitoids play a crucial role in managing brown soft scale populations. It is important to avoid using pesticides on parasitized individuals to allow these natural enemies to control the pest effectively.

How to Identify Scale Infestations

Identifying scale insects on your trees can be tricky because of their small size and protective coverings. However, there are several signs to look for on your trees and other plants that can indicate an infestation:

Discolored or Yellowing Leaves: As scale insects feed on the tree’s sap, they weaken the tree, causing the leaves to turn yellow or exhibit spots of discoloration.
Sticky Substance or Honeydew: Soft scales often excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can coat the tree’s surface and lead to the growth of sooty mold. This is a clear sign of a scale infestation.
Presence of Small Bumps or Shells: Look for small, hard bumps or shell-like structures on the branches, twigs, or leaves. These may be the protective coverings of armored or soft scale insects.
Branch Dieback or Stunted Growth: In severe cases, you may notice the tree’s branches dying back or the tree struggling to grow. This is a sign that the infestation is affecting the tree’s overall health.
Ant Activity: If you notice an abundance of ants around your tree, it could be a sign of a soft scale infestation. Ants are attracted to the honeydew produced by soft scales and may help spread the infestation.

Why Scale Insects and Sooty Mold Are a Concern for Virginia Trees

Scale insects are more than just a nuisance—they can seriously harm your trees. By sucking the tree’s sap, they weaken it and can lead to:

Decreased Tree Vitality: As scale insects drain nutrients from the tree, the tree becomes stressed and may show signs of poor health, such as leaf drop, stunted growth, or yellowing.
Increased Risk of Disease: Scale insects can make trees more susceptible to other diseases and pests. For example, the honeydew they produce attracts ants, which can protect other pests like aphids, further stressing the tree.
Aesthetic Damage: Infestations can lead to unsightly black sooty mold, sticky surfaces, and overall decline in the tree’s appearance, impacting the beauty of your landscape.

How Truetimber Arborists Can Help with Scale Infestations

If you suspect a scale infestation on your trees, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. At Truetimber Arborists, we specialize in identifying and treating scale infestations in Richmond and surrounding areas. Our certified arborists use the latest techniques and treatments to eliminate scale insects and restore the health of your trees. Additionally, we offer tree cabling and bracing services to improve the safety and structural integrity of trees.

Here’s how we can help:

Expert Identification: Our team will thoroughly inspect your trees to identify the type of scale infestation and assess the extent of the damage.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Depending on the scale species and severity of the infestation, we’ll recommend the best treatment options, which may include insecticidal sprays or horticultural oils.
Ongoing Maintenance: To prevent future infestations, we can provide ongoing tree health services, including pruning, fertilization, and monitoring for other pests.

Protect Your Trees from Scale Infestations

Scale insects can be a serious threat to the health of your trees, but with early detection and professional treatment, your trees can recover and thrive. If you’ve noticed any signs of scale infestations on your trees in Virginia, don’t wait—contact Truetimber Arborists today for a consultation.

Call us or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to help protect your trees and keep your landscape healthy and beautiful.