Upon settling, the tiny crawlers insert their mouthparts into the host plant, feed, and secrete a white, waxy material. In most areas of New Mexico, there are four generations. The summer generations overlap, and crawlers are present throughout the summer and fall. If infestations of this insect are left unchecked, the population may cause the death of trees in the orchard. Infested trees show a general decrease in vigor and thin foliage, which is usually more or less yellowed and spotted due to the scales.
Terminals characteristically die first.
Infested fruit develop a reddish purple ring surrounding each spot where a scale settles. Also, a number of small Chalcid and Aphelinid wasps are parasites of this scale. These predators and parasites are helpful in reducing this scale pest. However, pesticides used during the season can disrupt these natural controls, allowing the scales to increase rapidly. Oil sprays and biological controls are acceptable organic methods for control of this pest.