White spots on crepe myrtles (spider, grow, tree, crape)
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I noticed today that there are white spots all over my crepe myrtle that I had cut a couple of years ago and let grow into a bush. What is these spots and how to I get rid of them? Thanks in advance.
It's crepe myrtle bark scale. It infiltrated a few yrs back. It's a pest. I used Dominion tree and shrub as recommended by an arborist that checked out my crepe myrtle and found it just beginning.
Oil sprays are one way of combatting scale, but a systemic is probable most effective.
From LSU Ag Center:
Oils are also effective against aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and the crawler stage of scales, yet they are less harmful than other insecticides to beneficial predatory insects.
Oil sprays are best used when the temperature is between 45 and 85 degrees, and they should only be applied to plants that are not in stress. That’s one reason that the mild weather of spring is an excellent time to use them. Light, paraffinic oil, such as Year-Round spray oil and All Seasons spray oil, however, can be used during the summer.
An added benefit of oil sprays is that they also help clean the unsightly sooty mold from the plant. The sooty mold will not quickly disappear when the scale has been controlled, but as the food supply is exhausted the sooty mold will eventually weather off. Oil sprays help speed the process.
Systemic insecticides are another option for controlling scale. These insecticides are sprayed onto the plant or applied to its roots. The plant absorbs the insecticide into its tissue, and it gets into the plant’s circulatory system and into the sap. When the scale feed on the sap, they ingest the toxic insecticide and are killed.
Acephate, imidacloprid and dinotefuran are three commonly used systemic insecticides that are effective against scale. Treatment involves pouring the mixed insecticide at the base of the plant. Systemic insecticides provide an option for control when temperatures limit the use of an oil spray or when drenching around the base of the plant is more practical. Always read and follow label directions carefully when using any pesticide.
I agree about the scale, I think that is either Crape Myrtle Bark Scale, or else what is known as Cottony Cushion Scale both are insects which can be mistaken for fungus.
Oh my… really need to get some form of a fungicide.
BIOADVANCED Insecticide Fungicide Miticide 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control
Quote:
Originally Posted by tramp
I noticed today that there are white spots all over my crepe myrtle that I had cut a couple of years ago and let grow into a bush. What is these spots and how to I get rid of them? Thanks in advance.
Recommend Systemic Insect Drench in the spring for various shrubs, perennials, etc.
Can the OP use that right now instead of waiting for spring, because right now is when it is happening and causing serious damage.
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