Winter management of scale insects

A severe scale infestation can be difficult to manage on trees and shrubs in a nursery. In most parts of the country, scales are not actively developing during the winter. As a result, this is a great time to identify hot spots and implement a management plan.
Scales often are not detected until their populations are causing damage to the plant or are easily seen due to their high population. It is always best to treat any insect when their population is low. Even if you are able to control a high scale infestation, the scales often stay on the plant and are unsightly. Toss plants that are heavily infested. This can save you a lot of time and effort in trying to clean up a problem that may result in the scale spreading to other plants.
Read more from extension specialist Scott Ludwig.