| The home we just purchased has 2 euonymus bushes that appear to be heavily damaged by scale. (they are about half dead) Should we remove these bushes, or cut them back and treat (with what?)to try to save. If we remove what could be planted there, that is not suseptible to scale. Also we have rhododendrons right next to them. can they be harmed by the scale? Thank you |
| Euonymus scales are specific to euonymus plants. If the shrubs are really infested you may not be able to get them under control and removing the shrubs might be the best approach. If you want to try to save the shrubs, scale insects can be controlled with either horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Oils suffocate the adult scales and can be applied in late winter or very early spring, whenever the air temperature is above 40F degrees. If you're really observant, you can time the application of insecticidal soap to when the immature scales hatch and begin to crawl along the stems. This is when they are still soft-bodied and most susceptible to insecticidal soap sprays. Crawlers usually emerge in late spring or early summer. As with any insecticide, read and apply according to label directions. For added safety, make sure both the plant and the pest are listed on the label before using the product. |
