How do you get rid of scales on magnolia trees?

To control magnolia scale, remove and destroy heavily-infested branches. Treat with a contact insecticide (horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, other synthetic insecticide) or a systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) in late August or early September.

Can you scrape off magnolia scale?

Since adult magnolia scale insects are large enough to see easily, scraping colonies off the magnolia plant by hand is another effective way to get rid of them. Wearing work gloves to protect the hands, simply rub the insects off the twigs and branches. They cannot climb back onto the plant.

What does scale infestation look like?

Scale almost always appears in clusters. Unlike other insects, they are immobile once they lock themselves into place to pierce the plant and begin feeding on sap. If you see clusters of tiny shell-like bumps on the stems or leaves of a plant, there is a good chance you are looking at a scale.

What causes scales on magnolia tree?

Magnolia scale spends the winter on small twigs as tiny, half-grown nymphs, called crawlers. In the early spring, the crawlers become active, moving about and resuming feeding. As the season progresses, the scale begin to mature, and change color.

How do you treat tree scales?

The safest effective way to control scale is with a horticultural oil spray. These insecticides contain oil in a form that will mix with water. When mixed and sprayed onto an infested plant, the oil coats the scale insects and clogs their breathing pores.

How do you treat scales on plants naturally?

We suggest neem oil for an organic and natural treatment and prevention method, but for serious infestations insecticidal soap may be more powerful. Simply spray the entire plant down from top to bottom (with either mixture), and wipe the foliage clean with paper towels.

What do you spray on magnolia scale?

Control: Control of magnolia scale can be challenging. Only young, mobile crawlers are easily controlled. If you decide to use spray treatments for control, select a product that contains bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyflulthrin, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, malathion, or permethrin.

What does scale damage look like?

Scale-damaged plants look withered and sickly. Leaves turn yellow and may drop from the plant. They may also have sticky sap or a black fungus on the leaves and stems. Heavily infested plants produce little new growth.

How did my plant get scales?

Scale on your indoor plants can appear seemingly out of nowhere, but these little insects can come from several sources. Perhaps you used contaminated potting soil, left your plants outside in the warm weather months, or reused a dirty plant pot.

How does magnolia scale spread?

If untreated, the ‘honeydew’ can be the ideal place for a ‘black soot’ mold fungus to spread. Oftentimes, the magnolia scale insects are attached to the underside of magnolia branches and can be discovered by turning individual twigs and inspecting them.