Cottony cushion scale: Icerya purchasi
Symptoms of damage:
- Nymphs and adults suck the sap from leaves
- Honey dew excretion
- Development of sooty mould fungus
Identification of pest:
- Egg: White, ribbed masses that hold up to 800 red eggs
- Nymphs: Are red with black legs and antennae
- Adults: Are covered in white hair
Management:
- Spray dormant oil in late winter before spring
- Spray horticultural oil, if needed, year round
- Apply mixture of manure compost tea, molasses, citrus oil
- Garlic-pepper tea also helps
- Natural predators usually keep this insect in check
- Control ants and dust which can give the scale a competitive advantage
- Field release of vedalia and Australian ladybugs
