Pest alert: crape myrtle bark scale found in Currituck

Published 9:26 am Sunday, March 24, 2019

A new invasive pest, the crape myrtle bark scale, has been detected in Currituck. The crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a felt scale that covers its body with a white, fibrous sac where it lays eggs. The eggs hatch into crawlers which are pink, grey or brown and move around the crape myrtle’s trunk. This pest is due to human interaction. These insects are thought to have arrived in North Carolina from movement of infested plants.

There are some insecticides that are effective in controlling CMBS populations. Insecticides are best applied in April for control of CMBS. Always read the label when applying insecticides.

More information on crape myrtle bark scale identification and control can be found at https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2938.pdf. If you have questions and would like help identifying or treating infested crape myrtle trees, email or call Adam Formella at Adam_Formella@ncsu.edu or 252-232-2262.

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