White Soft, Scale-Looking Infestation of Holly Bushes

Question

Our holly bushes have deposits on the undersides of the interior leaves. They are about 1/8 inch long and 1/32 inch wide, white. They are not like the brown scale described in your info. There is no evidence of these deposits on the outside of the plants; we discovered them when we pruned the bushes down. I’m filling out your diagnostic sheet and sending a sample, but how quickly can you tell us what to do. We are worried about other neighboring plants, especially my neighbor’s hollies, which so far are unaffected.

Answer 1

This is most likely mealy bugs, the scale bug’s counterpart. I would treat the plant with neem oil. It is effective against both of these bugs. Here is more information that may help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm