Inexperienced observers often mistake these scales for flakes of bark even at close range. The name obscure scale fits perfectly since the insects blend in so well with the background on which they settle. Not all scales are as difficult to detect. Ornamental pines, especially mugho and Scots pine, are attacked by a white scale which may nearly cover the needles. Feeding by pine needle scale causes needles to yellow and drop prematurely.
Infested trees become sparse and sickly looking.
Pine needle scale overwinters as eggs beneath the female s shell and has two generations per year in Virginia. Once again, control measures must be properly timed to coincide with hatch of the crawlers. White peach scale is another serious pest of ornamental trees and shrubs. This insect has three generations a year. Trunks and branches of flowering cherry, privet, lilac, dogwood, and many other hosts can become thoroughly encrusted with this scale.