Parasitic wasps and birds are natural predators of these pests. With a light infestation, homeowners can handpick and destroy infested leaves. Treat for adults during mid-April. Scales are unusual insects in appearance. They are small and immobile, with no visible legs.
Scales vary in appearance depending on age, sex and species.
They feed on sap by piercing the leaf or stem with their mouthparts and sucking. They are typically found on the undersurfaces of leaves and look like small brownish or grayish bumps. Some species may be found on the branches as well. Adults are relatively protected from insecticides by their waxy covering. Their immature forms, called crawlers, are susceptible, however.