Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: Protect Your Trees from This Destructive Invasive Pest
If you’ve noticed your beautiful crape myrtles developing unsightly black, sooty bark or white, crusty patches along their trunks and branches, you may be dealing with one of the most serious threats to these beloved landscape trees: crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS). At Advanced Tree and Shrub Care, Inc., we’ve been helping homeowners and property managers combat this invasive pest since it first appeared in our region, combining decades of arboricultural expertise with the latest research-based treatment methods. Our certified arborists understand that early detection and proper treatment are essential to preserving the health and beauty of your crape myrtles.
Why Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Is a Serious Threat
CMBS represents a significant challenge that makes professional intervention essential. This invasive insect feeds by piercing plant tissues and extracting sap, which weakens trees and creates multiple cascading problems:
• Aesthetic Damage: Heavy infestations result in trees completely blackened with sooty mold
• Reduced Flowering: Trees produce fewer and smaller blooms
• Weakened Growth: Delayed spring leaf-out, stunted growth, and branch dieback
• Rapid Spread: Two to four generations per year allow populations to explode quickly
The scales produce large quantities of honeydew, a sticky substance that promotes black sooty mold growth covering leaves, trunks, and even surrounding plants and hardscapes. Without natural predators to keep populations in check, CMBS can quickly overwhelm even healthy trees.
Professional Identification and Monitoring Services
Accurate identification is the foundation of effective crape myrtle bark scale management. Our certified arborists distinguish CMBS from other pests like aphids that cause similar symptoms. Our monitoring focuses on early detection in these vulnerable areas, allowing for more targeted and effective treatment approaches. We examine trees for characteristic black sooty mold combined with white scale covers, providing strong evidence of infestation requiring immediate attention.
Expert Support and Regional Expertise
The spread and behavior of crape myrtle bark scale varies significantly across climate zones. Our local expertise includes understanding regional emergence patterns, treatment timing, and environmental factors specific to your area. We stay current with the latest research from university extension services, ensuring our treatment protocols reflect the most effective and environmentally responsible approaches available. The services available include:]
- Systemic Soil Treatments
- Prevention and Long-Term Management
- Plant Health Strategies
- Ongoing Monitoring Programs
Protect Your Crape Myrtles Before It’s Too Late! If you suspect crape myrtle bark scale on your property or want to prevent future infestations, contact Advanced Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. today. Our certified arborists will conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a customized treatment plan to keep your crape myrtles healthy and beautiful. Don’t let this invasive pest destroy your landscape investment—call us now for expert care!