Completely moisturize soil before using an oil. It is simple to recognize citrus trees that have black sooty mold because their leaves, twigs and branches turn black. The introduced ladybird beetle Chilocorus circumdatusGyllenhal has also shown to be a successful biological control agent (Rogers 2012). ... Citrus snow scale likewise is a local problem requiring oc-casional treatment in specific groves or portions of groves. These fall into three groups: parasitoid wasps, predacious caterpillars and ladybird beetles. For these plants either use pyrethrum or see the other treatment option. The honeydew is then feasted upon by ant colonies, further adding insult to injury. Caring for citrus includes watching for infestations of damaging pests such as scales that cause unsightly vegetation and can destroy fruit and sometimes entire citrus crops. Soft scales, however, do not have a hard covering, and they look like raised spots. Soft scales produce a sticky substance called honeydew as they suck fluid, creating an environment ripe for the development of the fungal disease black sooty mold. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and is an avid gardener and sports fan. Scales include two kinds of small insects that suck sap from plants. So it is always a good idea to completely wash citrus trees with Dawn dish-soap and warm water, with a wash-cloth. You can move them manually to infested citrus trees. Don’t use oil-based sprays on ferns or fine-leafed palms. They are an effective biological treatment. Citrus snow scale likewise is a local problem requiring occasional treatment in specific groves or portions of groves. There are two major types of scale on citrus plants: armored scales and soft scales. Biological controls can be an effective treatment for scales on outdoor citrus trees. Lauren Miller has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and editor. In a coastal location such as San Francisco, oil should not be used when the temperature will be higher than 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or the relative humidity is less than 30 percent. In addition to depleting plants of sap, some species of armored scales also inject toxins during feeding. The management of the citrus snow scale is based on biological control, and in some countries the use of insecticides. Let’s find out more about citrus scale control. Biological control: The parasitic wasp Aphytis lingnanensis Compere is effective in helping to control citrus snow scale if it is already established within the grove (Fasulo and Brooks 2010). It’s an organic spray but, if possible, spray in the evening to avoid harming any beneficial insects in your garden. In Cuba, the insecticides sulphur, carbaryl, dimethoate and malathion are commonly used (Castineiras and Obregon, 1986). Natural enemies of the pests include vedalia beetles (Rodolia cardinalis), adult Australian lady beetles (Rhyzobius lophanthae), twicestabbed lady beetles (Chilocorus orbus) and parasitic flies (Cryptochaetum iceryae). If you see beetles on scales, then you do not need to resort to using pesticides. 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Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Citrus scale pests can spread rapidly as they are highly mobile and may also be transported on clothing or by birds. They also use the remains of scales during pupation. When utilizing any pesticide for controlling citrus scale, follow manufacturer’s instructions and spray the entire tree until it is dripping wet. Also keep citrus areas free of dust. Small citrus plants grown indoors and outdoor citrus trees supply edible fruit for use in cooking and as gifts. Chemical control is possible but the waxy surfaces, sessile nature, intermittent feeding and overlapping generations of U. citri make it difficult to control. Spraying soapy water onto the tree does little to remove scale insects. The female adult scale is wingless and often has no legs while the adult male has one pair of wings and notable leg development. Neem oil is also effective. So your citrus tree is dropping leaves, twigs and branches are dying back, and/or the fruit is stunted or distorted. Spray plants thoroughly (until they start dripping) with Bugtrol. Citrus scale control can be accomplished with the use of pesticides, biological control via the introduction of indigenous parasitic wasps (Metaphycus luteolus, M. stanleyi, M. nietneri, M. helvolus, and Coccophagus) and an organically approved petroleum spray. Neem oil is also effective. Parasitic flies also feed on the body of scales and hatch eggs inside the scale bodies. The best and first line of defense in controlling citrus scale is to buy certified nursery stock to prevent infestation from the get go. Beetles attack all stages of scale. Petroleum-based oils reduce the amount of scales. Female hard scales never move after they pierce plants with their mouth parts and begin feeding. The mold also reduces the trees' ability to conduct photosynthesis. In order to ensure that your lawn keeps a healthy population of beetles to attack scales, control ant infestations with bait and other measures. Acknowledgements Photograph of citricola scale nymph and male and female red scale by Jack Kelly Clark (University of California); Armored scales have a hard, waxy shell covering a soft body. NATURAL ENEMIES There are a large number of natural enemies of citrus snow scale. Vedalia beetles and parasitic flies live in coastal areas and prey on cottony cushion scale. University of California, KAC Citrus Entomology: California Red Scale, University of California, Riverside: Center for Invasive Species Research; California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Citrus -- Brown Soft Scale, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Citrus -- Citricola Scale, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Citrus -- Purple Scale, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Identification -- Natural Enemies Gallery; Cottony Cushion Scale Parasite, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Citrus -- Precautions for Using Petroleum Oil Sprays, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: How to Manage Pests; Pest Management and Identification -- Vedalia Beetle, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Pest Management and Identification -- Twicestabbed Lady Beetle.