The male scale molts into a winged insect to find a mate. After it leaves it's protective covering, the male can only survive for about one day. Pine needle scales can overwinter as either eggs underneath the mothers scale or as an impregnanted female. Two or three generations of scales may occur in one year. Since these insects are small, it is very easy to overlook them until heavy infestation occurs.
Heavy infestation is visible when the leaves begin to yellow and possibly drop.
Repeated heavy infestations can kill branches and sometimes whole trees. Although biological control methods are ecologically preferrable, insecticides may be used with high infestations. In the case where infestation is severe, it is possible to kill the crawlers during May, June or July when the crawlers are active. Examine the scales to determine their active period before spraying. Use a systematic insect control at this time and follow up the next spring with a dormant oil spray.