Magnolia scale?
Syfini
Posts: 22
Hi,
I've just noticed awful scales on trunk and branches of magnolia in my garden. Could anyone tell me, is this what is referred to as magnolia scale? and if so, how best to get rid of it?
Many Thanks for reading
0
Posts
Yes it is. They are sap-sucking insects and the white fluff shows they have eggs ready to hatch so you need to remove them asap. Scrape them off using a plastic scraper of some kind or, perhaps easier, a really stiff scrubbing brush. A bucket of soapy water might help too. Spraying with insecticide is ineffective.
Last edited: 29 May 2017 19:56:55
Thank you for the response, will do but not looking forward to it! If there are any known methods of prevention I'd be grateful.
It's thought they arrive as young nymphs on bird feathers or creep along the ground. A systemic insecticide might work but would be absorbed into the tree and then poison beneficial insects such as any visiting pollinators, so I don't advise their use anymore. However, as long as you physically get rid of them all it's unlikely to come back. I had a similar infestation on my peach tree about 5 years ago and it hasn't returned after cleaning them all off.
Many Thanks I have a free day tomorrow and plan to do this, will let you know how I get on, thanks again, Sylvia