Economic Importance False oleander scale has become an economic pest of many of the major ornamental plants found in Florida commercial nurseries. The rapid distribution throughout Florida can be attributed to the movement of infested nursery stock. The scale tends to confine itself to feeding on foliage and rarely attacks tender shoots or fruit. Its feeding causes chlorotic spots that are visible on the upper leaf surface. These spots are usually several times larger than the scale.
Heavy infestations cause the entire leaf to turn yellow and drop prematurely.
Survey and Detection All life stages of the scale may be found throughout the year. Visually inspect both leaf surfaces. If necessary for identification, submit adult female specimens attached to the host plant in a plastic bag or envelope to either DPI or your local county Cooperative Extension Service office. Control Scales, especially armored scales are very difficult to control when mature. Examine plants for live scales by crushing the wax cover.