Both nymphs and female adults feed on plant juices. Generally, the crawler stage is easier to control than adults. Insecticides as orthene, sevin, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate or malathion should control scale crawlers. If adult scales are present, a light weight summer oil may be necessary for control. Read labels carefully.
Spider mites are important pests of a number of our ornamentals.
Sap removal as mites feed causes a color change in the foliage, usually to yellow or gray. Younger trees may be killed in one season, while older trees may die progressively over several seasons. When checking for mites, sharply tap a limb over a white piece of paper. Mites can be seen as small moving specks. Infested shrubs or trees may be hosed down with water to break up their webbing.