INSECT ID · SUCKING PEST

Crapemyrtle bark scale

Also called CMBS, crape myrtle bark scale, crepe myrtle scale

A scale insect found on crape myrtles around Dallas-Fort Worth since 2004. It leaves white crust on the bark, plus honeydew and black sooty mold.

When you’ll see it: Year-round on bark, busiest May through September

Crape myrtle trunk and branches crusted with white, felt-like crapemyrtle bark scale and dark sooty mold — Photo: m.borden, CC BY-SA 2.0

How to spot it

White to gray, felt-like crust stuck to twigs, branches, and trunk
Crush one and it bleeds pink
Black sooty mold on the bark, sometimes on the leaves too
Sticky branches or leaves
Scales about 2 mm long, often tucked under loose bark

Why it shows up

Females stay put under their felt-like cover and lay eggs from May to September. The young spread short distances by wind or birds. Moving infested plants spreads it much farther. Injuries and pruning wounds can be an easy way in.

How we treat it

We will identify it on a visit and recommend the right fix. Heavy cases are hard to control. Scrubbing the trunk and reachable limbs with a soft brush and mild soapy water takes off many scales and the black mold. Lady beetles help too. If it is bad, we will talk through treatment options with you.

What you can do

Check the bark for white crust and black mold. Inspect any new crape myrtle before you buy it.
Scrub heavy buildup with a soft brush and mild dish soap and water.
Leave lady beetles and their pupae on the trunk alone. They eat scale.

WANT IT HANDLED?

Let a licensed applicator take it from here.

Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.

Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722

Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138