Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Treatment Options? - Ask Extension
To whom it may concern at UM Extension:
In the tree box of my parking pad, I have a crape myrtle with bark scale that has been established for a fe...
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Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Treatment Options? #870395
Asked May 28, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
To whom it may concern at UM Extension:
In the tree box of my parking pad, I have a crape myrtle with bark scale that has been established for a few years. The tree otherwise appears healthy.
I have found some proposed treatments available online; however, they were not available in Maryland, presumably because they are toxic to humans, the ecosystem, or both. What treatments are recommended by the Extension to rid my tree of bark scale?
Best regards,
Matt O.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Matt and thanks for your question.
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale is a relatively new invasive pest in Maryland that we are still learning about as it is being studied.
Here is our page with the most recent information for homeowners:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/crapemyrtle-bark-scale-new-problem-home-landscapes/
There can be some success with physical removal (scrubbing gently with a brush with soapy water) and the applications of horticultural oils.
The other method is the use of pesticides that have environmental concerns, and the 2016 MD Pollinator Protection Act made those neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid only available to professionally trained pesticide applicators.
This page explains more if you are interested:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pollinators-and-pesticides/
If you decide to go this route you would have to hire a licensed pesticide applicator to treat your Crapemyrtle.
You could also consider replacing the Crapemyrtle with a native shrub or tree that supports our other native flora and fauna.
Maryland has a program that encourages native tree plantings with a $25 off coupon at participating nurseries:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pollinators-and-pesticides/
the left side of the page shows the list of recommended trees.
Christine
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale is a relatively new invasive pest in Maryland that we are still learning about as it is being studied.
Here is our page with the most recent information for homeowners:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/crapemyrtle-bark-scale-new-problem-home-landscapes/
There can be some success with physical removal (scrubbing gently with a brush with soapy water) and the applications of horticultural oils.
The other method is the use of pesticides that have environmental concerns, and the 2016 MD Pollinator Protection Act made those neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid only available to professionally trained pesticide applicators.
This page explains more if you are interested:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pollinators-and-pesticides/
If you decide to go this route you would have to hire a licensed pesticide applicator to treat your Crapemyrtle.
You could also consider replacing the Crapemyrtle with a native shrub or tree that supports our other native flora and fauna.
Maryland has a program that encourages native tree plantings with a $25 off coupon at participating nurseries:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pollinators-and-pesticides/
the left side of the page shows the list of recommended trees.
Christine
