Birch: Oystershell scale
categories: Birch Birch Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
revision date: 2023-04-04 12:00
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
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
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
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.