Knowledgebase

Puffy blobs on my Red bud #863195

Asked April 02, 2024, 9:26 PM EDT

I have these on my red bud branch.  It looks otherwise well.  What is it and how do I get rid of it?

Richland County South Carolina

Expert Response

Marilee,

It is a soft scale insect feeding on the stems. I cannot identify the species. Knowing the species will help with the timing of treatments based on the lifecycle. Most likely they are adult female scales and probably have egg masses under their bodies at this time of year.

Horticultural oil applications now can help suffocate the insects. Thorough coverage is essential.

I will share you photo with our entomologist and get back to you. You may be asked to submit a sample to the Richland Extension office.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 03, 2024, 8:14 AM EDT
Thank you.  Happy to provide a sample if needed.  Marilee 



On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 8:14 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2024, 9:11 AM EDT
Can I scrape them off with a butter knife??
Marilee 



On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 9:07 AM, Marilee Griswold <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Thank you.  Happy to provide a sample if needed.  Marilee 



On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 8:14 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2024, 10:53 AM EDT

yes you can carefully scrape off

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 03, 2024, 11:54 AM EDT

Loading ...