Scales in Christmas Trees
Elongate Hemlock & Other Scales
Scales are some of the hardest to find and most difficult to control of Christmas tree pests. Many scale pests are of regulatory importance and trees and greenery shipped to other states and countries are frequently inspected for scales. Sound cultural practices, careful scouting, and wise pesticide use will go a long way to reducing issues with scale pests.
Online Information – NC State University
CTN 37: Elongate Hemlock Scale & Other Scales – fact sheet with photos and information on life cycles, cultural practices, and control recommendations of several scale pests.
CTN 31: Pine Tortoise Scale – fact sheet with life cycle and control measures
Focus on Scale Control – including pesticide recommendations
Videos
Making Wreaths to Avoid Scales (English version)
Making Wreaths to Avoid Scales (Spanish version)
Keeping Trees Scale Free (English version)
Keeping Trees Scale Free (Spanish version)
Photo Gallery
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- Close-up of active elongate hemlock scale on Fraser fir
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- Occasionally scales will create yellow patches known as mottling on needles
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- Filaments from male elongate hemlock scale are easily visible as males are developing
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- Elongate hemlock scale crawler settles under the waxy covering of the needle
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- Adult female of elongate hemlock scale
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- This adult female has been flipped over and teased open to show several eggs
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- This adult female has been flipped over to show the shield-like area through which the sscale feeds. Also note the crawler emerging at the far end.
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- Emergent holes from parasitic wasp in elongate hemlock scale female
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- Cryptomeria scale nymphs resemble fried eggs on underside of needle
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- Cryptomeria scales can stack one on top of the other, making control more difficult
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- Cryptomeria scale can often lead to premature needle loss
Other On-Line Resources:
University of Florida IFAS Publication #ENY2040: Elongate Hemlock Scale, and Exotic Scale Pest of Christmas Trees and Other Conifers – elongate hemlock scale risk to Florida conifers
USDA Alien Forest Pest Explorer: Elongate Hemlock Scale map
Penn State Extension: Elongate Hemlock Scales – identification and control