A “Pest” (insect) - Ask Extension
Please identify the “pest” on the winter creeper. How should this be treated?
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A “Pest” (insect) #876048
Asked July 05, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
Please identify the “pest” on the winter creeper. How should this be treated?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Barbara
This is a heavy infestation of euonymus scale insects.They are difficult to control.
I suggest you spray as directed in the following bulletin at least 1-2 times, spacing the sprays apart the number of days indicated on the label of the product you use. Then, treat the shrubs with a systemic this fall as suggested by the bulletin. Again, follow the label directions exactly- the label is the law and all,precautions and directions must be followed for safety of plants, pets and people.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/euonymus-scale/
By the way, Winter creeper, Euonymus fortunei is a “garden thug” and difficult to control and is no longer recommended for gardens. It is considered an invasive non-native in many areas. If you decide to replace yours, consider this advice from Extension—
“Instead of invasive winter creeper and lysimachia, for ground cover plant Barren Strawberry or Bearberry Cotoneaster.” Here are some others- https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/04/Invasives_Native-Alternatives-Part2.pdf
This is a heavy infestation of euonymus scale insects.They are difficult to control.
I suggest you spray as directed in the following bulletin at least 1-2 times, spacing the sprays apart the number of days indicated on the label of the product you use. Then, treat the shrubs with a systemic this fall as suggested by the bulletin. Again, follow the label directions exactly- the label is the law and all,precautions and directions must be followed for safety of plants, pets and people.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/euonymus-scale/
By the way, Winter creeper, Euonymus fortunei is a “garden thug” and difficult to control and is no longer recommended for gardens. It is considered an invasive non-native in many areas. If you decide to replace yours, consider this advice from Extension—
“Instead of invasive winter creeper and lysimachia, for ground cover plant Barren Strawberry or Bearberry Cotoneaster.” Here are some others- https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/04/Invasives_Native-Alternatives-Part2.pdf
Thank you very much for your informative, helpful response. I am planning on removing the euonymus asap and replacing it in the fall with something more suitable.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 5, 2024, at 8:36 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Glad to be of help!
