Striped Pine Scale

The Striped Pine Scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae) is a type of armored scale insect that is commonly found on various species of pine trees. These pests can cause significant damage to pine trees by feeding on the sap of the tree, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and eventually, the death of the affected branches. The Striped Pine Scale is also a known vector for the transmission of various plant pathogens that can further harm the health of infested trees. The adult female Striped Pine Scale is about 2mm long and is covered by a hard, yellow-brown, circular shell. They are usually found on the underside of pine needles and give birth to live crawlers that move around the tree in search of a suitable feeding site. The crawlers feed on sap from the tree and eventually settle down and form a new scale cover. The Striped Pine Scale is most active in the summer months and can reproduce multiple times during a single season, leading to large populations of these pests on infested trees. Early detection of this scale is important for effective control, as populations can quickly build up and cause significant damage to the tree. Cultural control methods include maintaining good tree health, proper sanitation, and removing infested branches. Chemical control can be achieved by using various insecticides, including horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and neonicotinoids. It is important to carefully follow label instructions when applying these treatments and to ensure that they are applied at the right time to achieve maximum effectiveness. In conclusion, the Striped Pine Scale is a major pest of pine trees and can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. Early detection and prompt action, through cultural and chemical controls, can help to prevent the spread of this pest and protect the health of pine trees.