possible pine needle scale - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have discovered white spots on some of the needles of my Japanese Black Pine. My research suggests that it is pine needle scale. If you ag...
Knowledgebase
possible pine needle scale #819575
Asked February 01, 2023, 12:43 PM EST
Hello,
I have discovered white spots on some of the needles of my Japanese Black Pine. My research suggests that it is pine needle scale. If you agree with this diagnosis, please inform me the best way to proceed with eliminating this problem. Thank you
JD
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello, yes I agree, this looks like pine needle scale.
Here is a guide from Oregon Dept of Forestry which suggests management options. Management can be tricky, and if insecticides are used, the timing is very important.
https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/Scale_insects_2017.pdf
One factor associated with pine needle scale is drift of pesticides from nearby spraying. this can kill the natural enemies of scale insects and allow them to increase their populations. Are you aware of any spraying going on near you? Like mosquito fogging or agricultural spraying?
Here is a guide from Oregon Dept of Forestry which suggests management options. Management can be tricky, and if insecticides are used, the timing is very important.
https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/Scale_insects_2017.pdf
One factor associated with pine needle scale is drift of pesticides from nearby spraying. this can kill the natural enemies of scale insects and allow them to increase their populations. Are you aware of any spraying going on near you? Like mosquito fogging or agricultural spraying?
Thank you for your quick response. Very helpful. I live about 10-15 miles from where any spraying or fogging would happen so I don’t think that would’ve contributed to the problem.
Thanks again for your help
