Prunicola scale
If you have the flowering Cherry, lilac, or privot in your Massachusetts landscape you may notice the White Prunicola Scale (WPS). A white cottony appearance on trunk, branches, and even twigs is a giveaway.
Although there are natural predators, they do not save valuable trees. Well timed horticultural oils are an effective control method. You may need up to three applications in a given growing season as there are two generations of this pest.
Call Bug Busters Inc. if you notice any of the following
Symptoms:
- White cottony covering of bark
- Decline or dieback in the above areas
- Early leaf drop from affected areas.