Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale is a type of insect/pest that attaches itself to the trunk of a Crape Myrtle tree. You might first notice a problem on your Crape Myrtle when you see black areas forming on the trunk or branches.
According to Mississippi State University Extension Services, “It is now well established in more than 20 Mississippi counties and will likely continue to spread. All members of Mississippi’s gardening and landscaping community need to know how to identify and control CMBS in order to help slow its’ spread and reduce its’ impact.”
What IS Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale is a pest that covers parts (or eventually all) of the Crape Myrtle tree. The first sign is a black, sticky soot-like substance that will cover the tree. The soot will then begin raining down onto everything underneath the tree.
Sidewalks, driveways, shrubs and flowers, garbage cans, pools, toys are at risk. Whatever is under the infected tree will get a black, moldy, sooty stain. The actual pest (the Bark Scale) is a flat, light gray or white pest that feels like felt. If you press on the Bark Scale and it oozes a pink substance, it is active.
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale typically gathers in the branch crotches or at pruning areas, also under loose bark. In addition to being unattractive, the mold prevents sunlight from reaching the tree. As it takes over, Crape Myrtle Bark Scale sucks the life (sap) from your tree.
Should I get rid of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?
It is commonly accepted that CMBS won’t kill your trees, but it will most likely affect the number of flowers on your tree. The size of flower clusters and overall health of your Crape Myrtle trees may also suffer. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale may even cause your trees to flower later than healthy trees.
Deciding to treat Crape Myrtle Bark Scale may come down to you deciding to protect the investment you have made in your trees, your landscape and your property.
How is Crape Myrtle Bark Scale treated?
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale is being treated by our licensed lawn and pest technicians at Lawn and Pest Solutions in New Albany, MS.
- We start by systemically injecting treatment at the roots of the trees. This will slowly and methodically begin treating the entire tree and ridding it of the pest.
- In addition to the systemic treatment, we spray the entire tree with a growth regulator. This doesn’t improve the growth of the tree, it speeds up the process of getting rid of Bark Scale.
- In the fall, Lawn and Pest Solutions applies a dormant oil to the affected tree. This oil smothers and eliminates any remaining insects on the tree except those which are beneficial to the tree (like ladybugs).
- Each year afterwards, we do an annual systemic treatment as a preventative to keep the CMBS from returning. This treatment also has a fertilizer which will help your Crape Myrtle thrive in the future. (Even if you don’t have Bark Scale now you might consider this preventative treatment)
We are here to help.
Crape Myrtles are some of the most beautiful flowering trees we have in the South. These majestic trees enhance our properties, parks, cities and lawns. Contact us today to check on your investment! We have a great system to treat your trees before this Crape Myrtle Bark Scale has a chance to infect your trees.
Our licensed technicians are trained in recognizing and guiding you in the right direction for treatment and/or prevention. We treat Crape Myrtles in the Memphis, TN area and all over North Mississippi.
