All over the crepe myrtle - Ask Extension
Hello again,
These aggregates of what I assume are eggs of some sort have appeared all over the branches of my crepe Myrtle. What are they? How do I ...
Knowledgebase
All over the crepe myrtle #871152
Asked June 02, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
Hello again,
These aggregates of what I assume are eggs of some sort have appeared all over the branches of my crepe Myrtle. What are they? How do I get rid of them as I have seen no birds, adult lady bugs or other insects eating them? Thank you
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
We can't see enough clear detail in your photo to say but it is likely one or both of the following.
First, is a relatively new and widespread non-native invasive sucking insect called Crapemyrtle Bark Scale.
Here is our page on that:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/crapemyrtle-bark-scale-new-problem-home-landscapes/
along with that could be a young fluffy white larval stage of
small black and red-spotted lady beetles known as Hyperaspis
that would be helping you with control. You can see what they look like here:
https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2024/5/27/waxy-lady-beetles-come-to-the-rescue-of-pest-plagued-crapemyrtles-hyperaspis-spp
Christine
First, is a relatively new and widespread non-native invasive sucking insect called Crapemyrtle Bark Scale.
Here is our page on that:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/crapemyrtle-bark-scale-new-problem-home-landscapes/
along with that could be a young fluffy white larval stage of
small black and red-spotted lady beetles known as Hyperaspis
that would be helping you with control. You can see what they look like here:
https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2024/5/27/waxy-lady-beetles-come-to-the-rescue-of-pest-plagued-crapemyrtles-hyperaspis-spp
Christine
That looks like it. Thank you and apologies for the less than ideal picture. It was difficult for me to get the images as it requires pulling down the branches to within reach, etc. Thank you for the quick reply. Have a great day.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
You're welcome!
