Symptoms of damage

• Nymphs and adults suck the sap from leaves
• Honey dew excretion
• Development of sooty mould fungus

Identification of pest

• Egg: White, ribbed masses that hold up to 800 red eggs
• Nymphs: Are red with black legs and antennae
• Adults: Are covered in white hair

Management

• Spray dormant oil in late winter before spring
• Spray horticultural oil, if needed, year round
• Apply mixture of manure compost tea, molasses, citrus oil
• Garlic-pepper tea also helps
• Natural predators usually keep this insect in check
• Control ants and dust which can give the scale a competitive advantage
• Field release of vedalia and Australian ladybugs