Q.Insects On Ninebark Bush Outdoors
They look like mealybugs but they are huge! White fluffy bugs and white cottony like stuff on the stems and leaves. Also many of the leaves have piles of white stuff on them. This bush has had “stuff”on it for years. I cannot spray it right now as there is a bird nest in the middle of it. I’m ready to cut it down as soon as the babies have flown. What can I do with it? and what are they? will they spread to other bushes?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
If it isn't mealybugs, it is probably one of the cottony scales. It looks similar but is bigger. It is very hard to control because insecticides don't work well. Plus, insecticides can kill the beneficials that help control the pest naturally. You can try to prune out the worst of it. Neem oil is often recommended for scale and mealybugs. You can contact your local extension agent for the best insecticide to use, if any.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm
https://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/scalein.html
