Scales
Scale insects can be serious pests on trees, shrubs, and other perennials. The impact of infestations depends on the scale species, the plant species and cultivar, environmental factors, and natural enemies. Populations of some scales can increase dramatically within a few months, such as when honeydew-seeking ants or dusty conditions interfere with scale natural enemies. Plants are not harmed by a few scales, and even high populations of certain species apparently do not damage plants. Soft scales and some other species excrete honeydew, a sweet, sticky liquid produced by insects that ingest large quantities of plant sap. Sticky honeydew and the blackish sooty mold growing on honeydew can bother people even when scale populations are not harming plants.
Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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