Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help identifying what this is on a few of my Japanese maples. It seems they attach themselves to any crevice, underside or bud. They seem to be like tiny black balls, smaller than something like aphids, hard to see with natural eye. Are these like aphid eggs?
How should I treat it it? I have sprayed pyrethrum but maybe an oil would be better?
Thanks!
Identifying these critters
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shibui
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Re: Identifying these critters
The photos are not quite clear enough to ID. I don't believe I have seen this before but my best guess is some sort of scale.
When I search I find a black scale that looks similar and around 2mm across though the site I checked did not list maple as a host.
Check by lifting up some of the shells to see if there's a soft bodied creature hiding under it.
Contact insecticide like pyrethrum is not effective because the actual insect is happily hidden inside the armoured shell. Oil based insecticides are recommended for scales. Systemic insecticide will also work.
Note that the shells are glued down so even when the insect underneath is dead the covers stay for some weeks/months unless you scrub them off.
Keep an eye out for reinfestation from other plants or from eggs that hatch after you treat the existing adults.
When I search I find a black scale that looks similar and around 2mm across though the site I checked did not list maple as a host.
Check by lifting up some of the shells to see if there's a soft bodied creature hiding under it.
Contact insecticide like pyrethrum is not effective because the actual insect is happily hidden inside the armoured shell. Oil based insecticides are recommended for scales. Systemic insecticide will also work.
Note that the shells are glued down so even when the insect underneath is dead the covers stay for some weeks/months unless you scrub them off.
Keep an eye out for reinfestation from other plants or from eggs that hatch after you treat the existing adults.
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AdamBonz
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Re: Identifying these critters
Thanks,
I found an article with better pics and looks exactly the same, consensus is seems like aphid eggs. I sprayed them with eco oil, hopefully that helps.
link if curious: https://www.noordinaryhomestead.com/wha ... ck-things/
I found an article with better pics and looks exactly the same, consensus is seems like aphid eggs. I sprayed them with eco oil, hopefully that helps.
link if curious: https://www.noordinaryhomestead.com/wha ... ck-things/
