What's on my tree?

evilhomer · 13th July 2010, 08:14 AM

This is a Magnolia tree, I think about 20 years old. These things are continually multiplying, in the hundreds now. They have a white powdery coating over them and are kind of meaty inside.

Any idea what they are?

Brent Ferris · 13th July 2010, 01:52 PM

This is cottony scale. Beneath the cover are the insects. Spraying with insecticidal soap can work, but only when the insects hatch, and are moving outside the cover. So you have to spray about 1x every 1 - 1/2 weeks over a period of 6-8 weeks to try and control them. About 3 days after applying the insecticidal soap, you need to wash the tree down with plain water, so the tree can breathe.
Or, if the tree is small, take a soft nailbrush and soapy water and gently scrub them off - more work initially, but more likely to get them all.

THe insects go in cycles, and after the population peaks, it usually does down for a few years. The adult overwinters in the ground, or in mulch on the ground,

The insects suck sap from the tree and reduce its vigour.

13th July 2010, 08:14 AM	#1
evilhomer I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 1	What's on my tree? This is a Magnolia tree, I think about 20 years old. These things are continually multiplying, in the hundreds now. They have a white powdery coating over them and are kind of meaty inside. Any idea what they are? Attached Thumbnails

13th July 2010, 01:52 PM	#2
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: What's on my tree? This is cottony scale. Beneath the cover are the insects. Spraying with insecticidal soap can work, but only when the insects hatch, and are moving outside the cover. So you have to spray about 1x every 1 - 1/2 weeks over a period of 6-8 weeks to try and control them. About 3 days after applying the insecticidal soap, you need to wash the tree down with plain water, so the tree can breathe. Or, if the tree is small, take a soft nailbrush and soapy water and gently scrub them off - more work initially, but more likely to get them all. THe insects go in cycles, and after the population peaks, it usually does down for a few years. The adult overwinters in the ground, or in mulch on the ground, The insects suck sap from the tree and reduce its vigour.

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