Entomology
Scale insects are unique pests that vary significantly between males and females. Adult females are wingless and immobile while the males are hardly seen, covered by a protective scale or wax covering. Their most distinctive features include:
- Protective shell-like covering
- Round, oval, or oyster-shaped bodies
- No visible legs or antennae as adults
- Piercing-sucking mouthparts
- Size ranges from 1-5mm
- Colors vary from brown to white
Reproduction Cycle
the female Scale insects begins the cycle when it sheds from the first molt. Finding a sutable site the female will loose her legs and from protective scales to protec the eggs. the life cycle of a scale insect can be broken down into three stages:
- Eggs: Protected by the mother scales the can last over winter but typically hatch withing a a few days
- Nymphs: this is the only moblie stage of the insect lasting until it finds a place to feed
- Adults: male have a short life only lasting a few days while the females will remain in the same spot for up to a year
- Complete lifecycle can occur within 7-10 days
Social Aspects
Scale insects do not move which would lead you to believe they are not social however they do show social behaviors such as:
- Form a colony to better the eggs
- Symbiotic relationships with ants
- Communicate with others when cluster are too large
Treatment Options
- Scale insects can be gently brushed off the plants
- Introduce natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings)
- Apply insecticidal soap
- Use neem oil
- Prune heavily infested areas
