Could crape myrtle bark scale be the reason your trees aren’t thriving?

Throughout the Mid-Atlantic, crape myrtles are a favored for their vibrant blooms, distinctive bark, and low-maintenance beauty. But lately, these popular trees have been under attack by a growing nuisance: crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS). If you’ve noticed black, sticky residue or fuzzy white spots on your trees, you could be dealing with this invasive pest—and early action is key. So, what is crape myrtle bark scale and how can you stop it before it takes over your yard? Read on to learn what to watch for, how to treat it, and how HillSide Lawn Service can help protect your landscape.

What Is Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?

Crape myrtle bark scale is a type of scale insect, originally from Asia, that feeds on the sap of crape myrtles and other ornamental plants. The pest is spreading throughout the South and Mid-Atlantic, including here in Maryland, Delaware, and parts of Pennsylvania. They are tiny and easy to miss. Adult females hide under soft, white, waxy shells on the bark, where they feed on sap and release a sticky substance called honeydew. This goo attracts black sooty mold, which coats the tree’s bark, blocks sunlight, and leaves it looking dirty or diseased. While crape myrtle bark scale isn’t usually fatal, it does weaken the trees, reduces flowering, and makes them more vulnerable to other stressors. And once it spreads, it’s difficult to control.

Watch For Early Signs

Keep an eye out for these common signs of infestation:

• White or grayish waxy spots along the bark or lower limbs
• Sticky residue (honeydew) on the trunk or ground
• Black sooty mold growing on bark or nearby surfaces
• A noticeable decline in flowering or general tree health
• Tiny pink crawlers, especially in spring or early summer

The “crawlers” are newly hatched nymphs, which are at the most vulnerable stage in their life cycle. This is the best time to take action, before the mature female scale hardens under her waxy shield.

6 Steps to Managing Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

If you’ve spotted the early signs, don’t panic, but do act quickly. Here’s how to take control:

1. Remove what you can.
   Start by gently scrubbing infested bark with a soft brush and mild soap solution to dislodge some of the scales and honeydew. Avoid harsh pressure that could damage the bark.

2. Use horticultural or dormant oil.
   Applying horticultural oil during the growing season or dormant oil in late winter can smother many of the pests, especially the immature crawlers. Be thorough, liberally coating all infested plant areas.

3. Consider an insecticide drench.
   For heavier infestations, a systemic insecticide applied as a soil drench can help. The product is absorbed by the tree and targets the pests from the inside out. Be sure to follow label directions or consult a professional for safe application.

4. Get help from the good guys.
   Beneficial bugs like lady beetles feed on bark scale. If using insecticides, choose targeted products that won’t harm helpful predators.
5. Avoid over-fertilizing.
   High nitrogen levels can promote lush growth that attracts pests. Use a balanced fertilizer and avoid overfeeding crape myrtles.
6. Leave it to HillSide.
   Crape myrtle bark scale is a tough pest, but it’s no match for early action and expert care. Resutling problems can be halted if caught early and treated properly in the early weeks of summer. At HillSide Lawn Service, we offer a free landscape analysis and recommend an integrated pest management plan tailored to your yard. Our approach prioritizes the least toxic, most effective products to reduce harmful pests while protecting beneficial bugs like bees and other pollinators. We’ll help restore your crape myrtles to their blooming best, without harming the surrounding environment.

Think your crape myrtles might be affected? Reach out today at 410.399.2207 or Hillsidelawn.com for your free analysis. We’ll take the guesswork—and the stress—out of pest control.

About HillSide Lawn Service: Since 1994, HillSide Lawn Service has offered expert lawn care, including aeration and overseeding and tree and shrub care. With a focus on sustainable, science-based methods and personalized service, HillSide is the trusted source for creating green, healthy lawns throughout Maryland, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania. For more information or to request a free estimate, visit www.hillsidelawn.com or call 410-399-2207.