Pesticides for Cottony Camellia Scale

Identification and Damage

• Cottony camellia scale (Pulvinaria floceifera) is a soft scale that can go unnoticed as nothing more than a raised bump on the plant. Their white cottony egg sacs are generally more noticeable. The adult female cottony camellia scale measures about 1/8 inch long with an oval-shaped yellow or tan body. These sap-sucking pests lay their cottony egg masses on the undersides of leaves in spring. The eggs hatch in summer and the resulting crawlers can overwinter on the undersides of leaves. As the cottony camellia scale feed on the plant, the leaves discolor and distort, and sooty mold -- growing on the honeydew secreted by the scale insects -- can begin to grow.

Least Toxic Pesticides

• Pesticides with a low toxicity level, such as insecticidal soap, are generally more environmentally friendly and pose little to no risk to beneficial insects -- such as bees, ladybugs and butterflies -- as well as people and mammals. These safe yet effective insecticides will provide control over cottony camellia scale as long as the solution covers the pest. Use a ready-to-use insecticidal soap and spray all parts of the plant thoroughly, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves.

Chemical Pesticides

• Chemical pesticides -- including contact and systemic insecticides -- can help control cottony camellia scale. Contact insecticides must directly touch the scale insect to kill it. Systemic insecticides are typically applied as a soil drench or granules in the soil where the chemical is absorbed by the roots and transported throughout the entire plant. When the scale feeds on the plant, it is poisoned by the chemical and dies. Always read the label on the insecticide before you use it.

  Malathion, a broad-spectrum contact insecticide, usually needs to be diluted at a rate of 1 to 3 ounces in 1 gallon of water to control cottony camellia scale. This will treat a 1,000-square-foot area. A repeat treatment may be needed to control the scale, but you should not use it more than twice a year. Check the packaging as this may vary. Keep in mind that chemical pesticides typically pose a larger risk to beneficial insects than the least toxic options and should only be considered when other control measures are unsuccessful.

Warnings

• Although each brand has specific directions, a few general rules of thumb apply to any insecticide. For example, never apply pesticides when temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or when the infested plant is water-stressed. Always wear protective clothing when applying insecticides. This will help prevent any potential skin irritation that may occur when using chemicals. If you're pregnant or nursing, you should not use garden chemicals. When in doubt, always check the label.