If your pine trees and shrubs have tiny white specks on the needles, they may have pine needle scale. The plant looks like white paint was splashed on its needles. The Pine Needle Scale has a life cycle very similar to the oystershell scale. Normally they hatch in late May and must be controlled before the tiny insects form new scales.

You can control them by spraying with Malathion or Diazinon. A mixture of 2 teaspoons of insecticide per gallon of water should be used. Apply the spray when the lilacs are in full bloom and again 10 days later. Other insecticides labeled for scales such as Tempo can also be used. The active ingredient in Tempo is available in Bayer Advanced Garden Multi-Insect Killer.  When using insecticide, mix and apply according to label directions.

This page was last updated April 2003

Back to Information Page

Back to Horticulture Page