Birch: Oystershell scale
categories: Birch Birch Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
last review date: 2026-02-27 12:24
Photo by: Unknown
Biology
Oystershell scale insects are found on trunks, branches, and twigs of many broadleaved deciduous plants. They occur less frequently on the leaves and other plant parts.
The mature scale is approximately 1/8″ long, hard-shelled, brownish or gray in color, and usually elongated like an oyster or mussel shell. Scale infestations are often initially limited to isolated colonies on single branches or twigs. Infested plants may show off-color foliage.
Oystershell scales overwinter as eggs beneath the shell of the female scale, then hatch and move to feeding sites in late spring or early summer. Scales are spread from plant to plant by birds, people, wind, or insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- In minor infestations it may be possible to pick scales off branches.
- Where practical, prune and destroy heavily infested branches.
- Natural predators and parasites help control scale populations, but usually not soon enough to prevent damage to plants.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Scout for crawlers. Insecticide applications can be effective when applied to control the immature crawlers stage, usually in late spring to early summer.
- Oils are effective in the delayed dormant period.
- Use superior type oil sprays only on overwintering nymphs.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.