Crape Myrtle Bark Scale ( CMBS ) is an encroaching matte scale of measurement insect that primarily affect Crape Myrtle Tree . After first seem in Texas in 2004 , this insect is now comparatively common throughout the southeasterly U.S. , and , more pointedly , in Central Virginia . In recent years , the PMG Horticultural Helpdesk has pick up inquiries regarding CMBS and what to do about it . This article test the biology , impact , and management of CMBS and shares some hard-nosed advice on how to palliate it , based on my own experience dealing with a CMBS infestation over an 18 - month bridge .

CMBS is a soft scale dirt ball that feeds on the muggins of Crape Myrtle trees . Adult female have a white , waxy coating , making them come along like small cotton - like chunk on the ramification and trunks of infested trees . Once a tree becomes infested , jet-black mold growth appear on the bark due to a sugar - rich viscous liquid state pass by the insect . Along with jet mold growth , the mien of ant on infested trees can be a telling foretoken of CMBS as they clean the simoleons - rich sticky liquid given off by the insects . Other symptom of an infestation include yellow parting , foreshorten flowering , and overall tree fall .

One dewy-eyed way to place whether you have CMBS is to use your fingernail to scratch the white cotton - like lumps on an infested tree . If you see a red , blood - like liquidness just below the cottony surface , there ’s a good luck it ’s CMBS . If you ’re still not certain , consider these step :

There are legion way that CMBS can spread . Here are some of the most common :

In my display case , frost damage to one backyard Crape Myrtle in the early spring of 2023 made the tree especially susceptible to CMBS infestation . From there , the disease spread cursorily to six other nearby Crape Myrtles in a backyard stand . Soon all were showing sign of cotton - comparable lumps and various total of sooty mould growth . Fortunately , none of the other Tree were nearly as adversely impress as the first , making mitigation slightly prosperous for them .

The shock of CMBS on Crape Myrtles can be terrible . As sap - sucking insect , the scales weaken the tree by extracting essential nutrients , leading to stress and increased susceptibility to disease and environmental stress . septic Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree typically exhibit scrubby development , folio fall , and diminished anthesis .

As I discovered firsthand , the need for increased plague management practices , including chemical or biologic intervention and consistent monitoring involve a significant allegiance of time and resources to overcome the infestation .

Managing Crape Myrtle Bark Scale in effect requires an integrated advance . University studies punctuate the importance of early detection and monitoring . Regular inspections during the develop time of year can aid key out infestations before they become severe . If you ’re like me , though , and fail to address the problem in its early stages , CMBS is probable to have a pregnant wallop in a matter of a few week .

If you ’re seeing a CMBS plague and have grown concerned that it may spread to other Crape Myrtle trees in your yard or neighborhood , it may be good to remove the infested tree alone , localise them in credit card bagful , and cast aside of the bag the right way in the trash . Alternatively , if there are relatively few neighboring Crape Myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and you ’re committed to saving your tree by managing the plague , there are some whole step you’re able to take .

To begin with , cultural practice play a vital rolein the management of CMBS . exert tree health through right watering , fecundation , and pruning can enhance resilience against pests . Additionally , reducing humidity around the tree can help minimize condition favourable for the shell ’s growth . For this rationality , it is best to plant Crape Myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in full Lord’s Day if potential .

When chemical dominance is necessary , research argue that systemic insecticides can be in force . grime - applied insecticides   are the most effective treatment presently available for CMBS and the easiest to apply . These insecticides contain alive ingredient such as imidacloprid , imidacloprid + clothianidin , dinotefuran , and thiamethoxam . These insecticides are absorbed by the flora and cater long - lasting protection against CMBS and other ordered series dirt ball . This was the approach I used after have an extensive CMBS plague in the spring of 2023 . Applying a combination insecticide and fertiliser via ground - drench in the previous fall of 2023 and 2024 has yielded convinced outcome in my slip . Note that if you choose this route , it is critical to read the education on the product recording label and follow them tight . If you have any doubts about ferment with insecticides , consider contacting a attest tree surgeon who has experience and equipment necessary to mitigate CMBS .

biologic control measures are also being explored , with some studies foreground the potential of natural predators , like lady mallet and parasitoids , to help finagle scale worm . While these methods may not eliminate CMBS , they can assist keep populations at achievable levels .

The road to convalescence from CMBS can be a long one , requiring persevering effort over the course of months . But extenuation is possible .

The pic below show the resultsof my 18 - month drive to mitigate CMBS in a cluster of seven infested backyard Tree . After applying the mitigation strategies draw above in the fall of 2023 and 2024 , none of the trees are currently showing any sign of blank cotton - same ball or jet-black clay sculpture . Further , the ants that were so predominant during the height of the infestation are no longer present . As the exposure below show , the original , most heavily infested tree diagram is a flake stunted from its weighed down bout with CMBS , but numerous signs of newfangled growth are now patent . Although this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may never enamor up to the height and voluminosity of its neighbors , it remains an esteemed extremity of our backyard garden .

In universal , by employing an mix plague management approach that include monitoring , ethnic practice , and appropriate use of chemical or biological ascendency , it is possible to palliate the effects of CMBS and protect these popular and cherished decorative Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

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