Camellia: Brown soft scale
categories: Camellia Camellia Insects Ornamentals Shrubs
last review date: 2026-03-21 11:48
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Brown soft scales are yellowish to dark brown insects (adults are usually darker). They are found mainly on twigs, although young scales may also be found on the foliage, typically on the underside of leaves.
Soft scales produce large amounts of honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which may become covered with a growth of dark sooty mold.
Heavy scale infestations can cause plants to become yellowish and wilt in appearance.
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!
- Ladybird beetles and parasitic wasps help control scale populations.
- Minor infestations may be wiped off by hand.
- If practical, prune and destroy heavily infested branches.
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 oil sprays only on overwintering nymphs.
- Test for sensitivity on camellia before applying insecticidal soaps.
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.