Crepe myrtle bark scales are a type of armored scale that can attack and kill crepe myrtles. The good news is that they are easy to control with a few simple steps.
Treating Crape Myrtle Bark Scale – Family Plot
- Examine your crepe myrtle tree for signs of bark scale infestation
- These include small, brownish bumps on the trunk and branches of the tree
- If you find bark scales on your crepe myrtle, treat them with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil
- To make an insecticidal soap, mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one gallon of water
- Spray the mixture onto the affected areas of the tree, being sure to coat the bark scales completely
- You can also use horticultural oil to treat bark scale infestations
- Mix one part oil with 100 parts water, and spray it onto the affected areas of the tree
- Be sure to follow all instructions on the label when using either insecticidal soap or horticultural oil
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Natural Treatment
Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a serious pest of crape myrtles, causing extensive branch dieback and even tree death. Treatment for CMBS generally consists of applying horticultural oil or insecticide to the trunk and branches in late winter or early spring. However, many people are interested in using more natural methods to treat this problem.
One such method is to apply a mixture of 1 part canola oil to 4 parts water to the trunk and branches. This should be done every 2 weeks from February through April. Another option is to mix 1 cup each of baking soda and horticultural oil with 5 gallons of water, and then spraying this mixture on the tree.
This should be done every 2 weeks from March through May.
Still another possibility is to use Beneficial nematodes, which are tiny parasitic worms that kill CMBS larvae. They can be purchased online or at some garden stores, and must be applied according to package directions.
Finally, you can try planting crape myrtles that are resistant to CMBS – ‘Tonto’, ‘Natchez’, ‘Sioux’, and ‘Biloxi’ are all good choices.
Neem Oil for Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale
Crepe myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a serious problem for crepe myrtles in the southern United States. This pest feeds on the sap of the tree, causing it to become weak and stressed. CMBS can eventually kill a crepe myrtle if left untreated.
One of the best ways to control CMBS is with neem oil. Neem oil is a natural product that comes from the neem tree. It works by disrupting the life cycle of the scale insects, preventing them from reproducing.
Neem oil also has antifungal properties, which can help to prevent other diseases from taking hold in your crepe myrtle.
To use neem oil on your crepe myrtle, mix it with water according to the instructions on the bottle. Then, using a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle, apply it to your tree, being sure to cover all of the branches and leaves.
Apply neem oil every two weeks during the growing season for best results.
Crepe Myrtle Fungus on Bark
If you have a crepe myrtle tree, you may have noticed some black spots on the bark. This is caused by a fungus called sooty mold and is relatively harmless to the tree. The mold gets its nutrients from the honeydew secreted by aphids and other sucking insects.
While unsightly, sooty mold does not damage the tree and can be removed with a power washer or by scrubbing with a stiff brush.
Will Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Kill the Tree
Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a destructive insect that can kill crape myrtle trees. The scales are small, brownish-black insects that attach themselves to the bark of the tree and feed on its sap. This feeding damages the tree and can eventually kill it.
CMBS is a serious problem in many parts of the country and there is no known cure. If you have a crape myrtle tree, it’s important to be on the lookout for this pest. If you see any signs of CMBS, contact a certified arborist or tree care specialist immediately.
Bark Scale Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles are one of the most popular flowering trees in the southern United States. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. The bark scale is a small insect that feeds on the sap of these trees.
If left unchecked, it can cause serious damage to the tree.
The first step in controlling bark scale is to identify the infested tree. Look for small, white insects on the trunk and branches.
These insects secrete a sticky substance that can turn black and cause the bark to peel off. If you see this happening, it’s important to take action immediately.
There are several ways to control bark scale.
One option is to use an insecticide specifically designed for this pest. Another option is to prune away infested branches and destroy them. Finally, you can also apply horticultural oil to the tree trunk which will suffocate the pests.
If you have a crape myrtle that is infested with bark scale, don’t despair!
Credit: extension.msstate.edu
What Causes Bark Scale on Crepe Myrtles?
Bark scale is a type of sucking insect that feeds on the sap of crepe myrtles. This pests weakens the tree and can cause dieback, defoliation and even death. While there are many different species of bark scale, most are small, oval-shaped insects that are brown or black in color.
Adult females lay their eggs underneath their bodies on the twigs or branches of crepe myrtles. The eggs hatch and the young crawlers move to the tips of the branches where they begin to feed. They insert their long, slender mouthparts into the bark and suck out the sap.
This feeding damages the tree and can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves and branch dieback. In severe infestations, entire trees may be killed.
There are several things you can do to prevent or control bark scale on your crepe myrtle.
First, choose resistant varieties when planting new trees. Second, keep your trees healthy by watering them during dry periods and fertilizing them according to label directions. Third, prune away heavily infested branches and dispose of them properly (do not compost).
Should You Peel Bark off Crepe Myrtle?
Most people think that peeling the bark off a crepe myrtle is beneficial to the tree, when in fact it is not. The bark of a crepe myrtle contains valuable nutrients and protecting it helps the tree stay healthy. When the bark is removed, it exposes the inner layers of the tree to disease and pests.
In addition, peeling the bark can damage the cambium layer, which is responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the tree. If you want to help your crepe myrtle stay healthy, leave its bark intact.
What Does Scale on Crepe Myrtles Look Like?
When crepe myrtles are affected by scale, it’s usually pretty easy to tell. The first sign is typically the appearance of small, white spots on the leaves. These spots are actually the egg sacs of the scale insects.
As the eggs hatch, the tiny nymphs (immature scale insects) begin to feed on the sap of the crepe myrtle. This feeding causes further discoloration of the leaves and can eventually lead to leaf drop. In heavy infestations, scale can also cause dieback of stems and branches.
Scale insects typically go through two generations each year. The first generation hatches in late spring or early summer and begins feeding immediately. The second generation hatches in late summer or early fall and overwinters as nymphs on the crepe myrtle before beginning to feed again in spring.
How Do I Get the Black Bark off My Crepe Myrtle?
If you want to remove the black bark from your crepe myrtle, there are a few options. You can either use a chemical stripper or sandpaper.
Chemical Stripper
To use a chemical stripper, you will need to purchase one from a hardware store. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package and wear gloves and protective clothing. Once you have applied the stripper, wait for it to work before scraping off the bark with a putty knife.
Sandpaper
If you decide to use sandpaper, you will need to purchase coarse-grit sandpaper. Start by sanding down the trunk of the tree in sections.
Work your way up and down until all of the black bark has been removed. This method is more time consuming than using a chemical stripper but it is also less dangerous.
Conclusion
If you have crepe myrtle trees, you may have noticed some small, brownish bumps on the bark. These are called bark scales, and they can infest your tree if left untreated. While they’re not harmful to humans or animals, they can cause damage to the tree by sucking out its sap.
If the infestation is bad enough, it can kill the tree.
The best way to get rid of bark scales is to treat them with horticultural oil. You’ll need to apply the oil when the weather is warm and dry, and you’ll need to be sure to cover all of the affected areas.
It may take a few treatments to completely get rid of the problem, but it’s worth it to save your tree!
