Tesselated scale is primarily a leaf-infesting soft scale and a greenhouse pest. Heavy infestations weaken the plant but seldom kill it. Infestations are often of economic importance in commercial nurseries whenever pest management programs are neglected. One or two generations per year, and in greenhouses generations will overlap. Tessellated scale is parthenogenetic and ovoviviparous, giving birth to living young.
Males are unknown.
The parasitic wasp, Metaphycus stanleyi Compere is a natural enemy of tessellated scale. As with other scale insects, tessellated scale is best controlled in the immature stage. For specific chemical control recommendations, see the current Cooperative Extension publications on ornamental plant pest management or consult your county agent.