Scale Insect Treatment in Hazleton, PA
Scale insects are small, mostly immobile pests that attach themselves to the bark, leaves, and fruits of various plant species. These sucking insects feed on plant sap, slowly draining the life from your trees and shrubs. What makes scale insects particularly troublesome is their ability to blend in with their host plant, often going unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.
Before you start panicking, know that there is a simple solution to combating the effects of scales — a professional treatment from Lawn Specialties. Our experienced professionals understand the unique challenges posed by scale insects and have developed effective strategies to control their populations and restore the health of your plants. Call our team today for a scale insect treatment service in Hazleton, PA, or one of the neighboring areas in Eastern Pennsylvania or Northern New Jersey.
Need Scale Control Solutions in Eastern PA or Northern NJ?
Don’t stress over scale populations any longer! An effective solution is just a call away. As a leading lawn and tree care company in Eastern PA and Northern NJ, we proudly control scale insects so that homeowners and commercial property owners don’t have to watch their landscapes wither and die. If you’re located in Hazleton, PA, or one of the following areas, give us a call today:
- Lehigh County, PA
- Stroudsburg, PA
- Mount Pocono, PA
- Easton, PA
- Bergen County, NJ
- Hackensack, NJ
- Norwood, NJ
- Old Tappan, NJ
- Tenafly, NJ
What Are Scale Insects?
These sap-eating pests love to take ownership of trees and plants on residential and commercial properties. They get their name from the protective covering or “scale” that they produce to shield themselves from predators and environmental factors. This scale can vary in appearance depending on the species, ranging from small bumps that resemble fish scales to waxy or cottony coverings. Because they look more like growth disfigurations on the branches or leaves, many people don’t realize their plants are suffering until it’s too late.
As you go about controlling scale insects, it’s helpful to note that there are two main groups:
- Armored Scales: These scale insects are the smallest of their kind and have a hard, protective covering that’s separate from their body. This coating is waxy in appearance and can vary in color depending on whether the insect is male or female. Armored scales don’t produce honeydew, but they can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on cell contents. Common examples include the euonymus scale and the oystershell scale.
- Soft Scales: Unlike their armored counterparts, soft scales have a waxy covering that’s part of their body. They are especially problematic because they reproduce rapidly. They are also known for producing honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of sooty mold on leaves and branches. Brown soft scale and calico scale are examples of soft scales.
Our scale insect treatment plans for properties in Hazleton, PA, are effective at controlling and managing both types of scales.
Signs of a Scale Infestation
These tiny pests may seem insignificant at first glance, but they have the potential to cause extensive damage to woody plants if left unchecked. From stunted growth and leaf yellowing to branch dieback and even plant death, the consequences of a scale insect infestation can be severe and long-lasting. In order to protect your property from the loss of beautiful trees and plants, keep an eye out for these telltale signs scale bugs are taking over:
- Presence of small, immobile bumps on branches, twigs, or leaves
- Yellowing or wilting leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Branch dieback
- Sticky honeydew on leaves or beneath plants (for soft scales)
- Black sooty mold growth on leaves or branches
- Slow or stunted plant growth
- Thinning canopy in trees
Do these problems sound familiar? It’s time to call in the experts at Lawn Specialties for a thorough inspection and targeted scale insect control.
How We Manage Scale Insects on Trees and Shrubs
At Lawn Specialties, we take a comprehensive approach to scale insect control in Hazleton, PA. Our methods are designed to not only eliminate current infestations but also prevent future outbreaks while minimizing the impact on beneficial insects and the environment.
Our scale insect treatment process typically involves examining your plants to identify the type of pests present, the extent of the infestation, and any other contributing factors. We will then develop a treatment strategy that takes into account the specific scale species, the affected plant species, and the severity of the infestation. We use a combination of control methods, including cultural control techniques (such as proper watering and fertilization), horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and systemic insecticides when necessary. Our treatments are timed to target scale insects during their most vulnerable stages, such as the crawler stage. We conduct regular follow-up inspections to assess the effectiveness of our treatments and make any necessary adjustments to ensure long-term control.
For particularly stubborn infestations or in cases where multiple generations of scale insects typically develop throughout the season, we may recommend a series of treatments. This ensures that we target scale crawlers as they hatch and begin feeding, preventing them from establishing and reproducing. With our tree and plant care team on the job, you can have peace of mind about the health of your trees, shrubs, and plants.
Schedule a Scale Insect Treatment Today
Are you worried that scale insects are slowly destroying the beauty and vitality of your landscape? Connect with the experts at Lawn Specialties for effective scale insect treatment services in Hazleton, PA, and the surrounding areas. We have the experience and tools necessary to effectively manage these pests while minimizing the impact on your landscape's ecosystem. Reach out today to explore our insect control services for lawns, trees, shrubs, and plants!
- Free Inspection
- Pet Friendly Application
- Licensed Technicians
- Service Warranties