Holly: Brown soft scale
categories: Holly Holly Insects Ornamentals Shrubs
revision date: 2024-04-08 11:46
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Brown soft scales are yellowish to dark brown insects (adults are usually darker) up to approximately 1/8″ in diameter. They are found mainly on the underside of leaves or on green twigs. Soft scales produce large amounts of honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which may attract ants or become covered with a growth of dark sooty mold. Heavy scale infestations can cause branches or whole plants to become wilted or yellowish or show other signs of stress. Brown soft scales are also common on camellia, dogwood, and daphne, as well as being serious pests of houseplants and greenhouse ornamentals.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Prune and destroy heavily infested branches, when practical.
- Minor infestations may be wiped off by hand when practical.
- Ladybird beetles, parasitic wasps, and other natural enemies help control scale populations outdoors. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill these beneficial insects.
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.