Various (Coccoidea superfamily)
Sap-sucking insects that appear as bumps on stems and leaves. Produce honeydew leading to sooty mold. Many species affect different plants.
Appear as small bumps or waxy coatings on stems and leaves. Soft scales are 1/8-1/4 inch, oval, may be waxy. Armored scales are smaller with hard covering. Honeydew and sooty mold present.
Yellowing leaves. Stunted growth. Branch dieback. Sticky honeydew on leaves. Black sooty mold. Weakened plants susceptible to other problems.
Varies by species. Crawlers (mobile stage) emerge from eggs, settle on plant, and become sedentary. Multiple generations per year. Overwinter as eggs or adults.
Inspect new plants before introducing. Avoid over-fertilizing. Prune out heavily infested branches. Maintain plant health. Encourage beneficial insects.