Mites suck plant sap resulting in similar symptoms to those caused by lace bugs. In addition, webbing may be present on the undersides of leaves. Natural enemies of mites usually keep mite populations reduced. While pesticides are available, their misuse often makes the problem worse by killing off the mites natural enemies. Scales vary in appearance depending on age, sex, and species.
Adults are immobile and look like scaly bumps on branches and the undersides of leaves.
The immature forms, called crawlers, move around until they start feeding. Both adults and crawlers suck plant sap. Light infestation of scale can be scraped off the plant and discarded. Spraying with a dormant oil in early spring will kill some adults and eggs by smothering them. For severe infestations, insecticides are available.