Cottony Cushion Scale in UP? - Ask Extension
Do we have Cottony Cushion Scale here in the UP? I've been told by 2 people (who just viewed photos that I e-mailed to them) that that's what I had o...
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Cottony Cushion Scale in UP? #823411
Asked March 25, 2023, 7:46 AM EDT
Do we have Cottony Cushion Scale here in the UP? I've been told by 2 people (who just viewed photos that I e-mailed to them) that that's what I had on my Nannyberry viburnum last summer. But elsewhere I read that it's not really found where temperatures get below 10 degrees in winter... If we do have this particular scale insect around here, can you tell me if either of the biological controls Rodolia cardinalis or Cryptochaetum iceryae work to control it here? I’d greatly appreciate any advice!
Houghton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
I could not find where Cottony Cushion Scale was found in the UP. I have seen information on other states.
Like California - See the Biological Control section from this Pest Note - Cottony Cushion Scale - Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals - University of California at this link: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/pdf/pestnotes/pncottonycushionscale.pdf
This may be another type of scale - I recommend you get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. Please email your digital image prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!
They should be able to make a diagnosis of your problem without seeing a sample. Be prepared. The lab may ask for more images - THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).
Lab email: <personal data hidden>
Lab phone:<personal data hidden>
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE (if the lab needs a sample)
From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.
A completed submission form must accompany every sample. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf
Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
I could not find where Cottony Cushion Scale was found in the UP. I have seen information on other states.
Like California - See the Biological Control section from this Pest Note - Cottony Cushion Scale - Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals - University of California at this link: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/pdf/pestnotes/pncottonycushionscale.pdf
This may be another type of scale - I recommend you get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. Please email your digital image prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!
They should be able to make a diagnosis of your problem without seeing a sample. Be prepared. The lab may ask for more images - THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).
Lab email: <personal data hidden>
Lab phone:<personal data hidden>
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE (if the lab needs a sample)
From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.
A completed submission form must accompany every sample. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_May2022.pdf
Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
Hello,
Here is another possibility - treehopper egg masses on redbud. These egg masses can also be found on the viburnum. Please see the information at this link: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=90
The white egg masses can be gently scraped off if you would like to do so. But they usually don't harm the shrub, as the article states. Please see the article at this link: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/566
Here is another possibility - treehopper egg masses on redbud. These egg masses can also be found on the viburnum. Please see the information at this link: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=90
The white egg masses can be gently scraped off if you would like to do so. But they usually don't harm the shrub, as the article states. Please see the article at this link: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/566
Thank you! If it's this instead, that may explain why I didn't ever see any ants anywhere? I was told to keep ants of the tree by putting something sticky around the base of the trunk, but I didn't bother since there weren't any ants to be found.
You are welcome!! Have a great day!!
