Identify Pest/problem With Acer Tree

Question

I noticed an infestation on the trunk and underside of branches of our Acer tree. There are numerous small, 5mm, brown oval shaped things, that are sitting on top of a white fluffy “spider web” type substance. They don’t appear to have legs, as far as I can see. Hopefully you can identify this and recommend a treatment for the tree. Thanks

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Answer 1

That is a type of Scale insect. This is going to be very difficult to treat, since you must first remove as much as you can by hand.

They seal themselves to your tree under a shell. This makes it hard to treat with insecticides, since they can't usually penetrate the shell. Once you remove what you can, then you can begin treatment. This WILL kill the eggs that are now exposed.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-armored-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides