Magnolia Scale Treatment

The life cycle of a magnolia scale insect is controlled by a long period during which it looks just like a bump on a log. However, don’t be fooled by their appearance. These insects are sucking fluids out of your plants, necessitating you to seek a magnolia scale treatment.  

Due to their appearance, folks are frequently caught off-guard when they finally see evidence of an infestation. Furthermore, they might misdiagnose the situation as a mold or ant problem.

Life Cycle of the Magnolia Scale
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Scale insects go through stages called "instars."

The insect overwinters at the tips of the tree's limbs in what is referred to as the "nymph" instar. These nymphs begin feeding in spring and get to maturity in the middle of the summer. This is when mating happens.

Later, the females give birth to existing young insects (crawlers) in August or September. Afterwards, the crawling ends, and they will adhere to the twigs on which overwintering takes place. This brings the process full circle.

Spray with Insecticide

For a magnolia scale treatment to be effective, you have to spray the insecticide at the right time in the insect's life cycle (mainly, at the crawler stage). These pests are more susceptible to sprays at that specific time in their life cycle than at other periods. That time is usually late summer.  

Once the scale insect goes past the crawler stage in its life cycle, the exoskeleton toughens, making it less susceptible to contact insecticides.

Because the pests are at the crawler stage in July and August, that is the greatest time to spray. If you want to try an organic, eco-green insecticide, use neem oil. Reach out to Hickory Tree Service to arrange for an expert to apply a magnolia scale treatment to your trees.

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