Dogwood: Brown soft scale

Biology

Brown soft scales are yellowish to dark brown (adults are usually darker). They are found mainly on twigs, although young scales may also be found on foliage. They overwinter as immatures on host.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

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 picked off by hand.
• Where 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 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.

• All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: mineral oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 4-80]
• Hi-Yield Dormant Spray
  Active ingredient: oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 7401-428]
• Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin [EPA registration number: 70051-6-42697]
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid [EPA registration number: 42697-60]
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.