You ’ll need to place the exact type of scale insect that ’s overrun your red maple Tree so as to allow for the right treatment . Many types of ordered series worm exist , grouped into two main categories : armored scale and piano scales . The most unwashed scale insect that infest maple trees are the armored varieties oystershell scale and scurfy scale , as well as the diffused variety cottony maple scale and lecanium scale . Inspect your red maple trees to ascertain what variety of scale worm you have by shaking the red maple tree ’s offset over a sheet of paper and looking for scale insects . The well-heeled time to place scale worm is when they ’re in the " crawler " phase , which is the only time that scale move around . The angleworm phase is also the only time that ordered series dirt ball are treatable with insecticides .
Identify the Scale Insects
Step 1
key out cottony maple scale leaf ( Pulvinaria innumerabilis ) , the most common scale leaf insect species to infest maple trees , by their adult female scale with cotton wool - comparable egg sacks on their hind cease . You ’ll see these female person in early summer , followed by weighing machine crawlers hatching in late June or early July and crawl around on the undersides of the folio .
Step 2
Look for shell toady egress in June , feeding on the branches , trunk and leave of your red maple to distinguish scurfy scale ( Chionaspis furfura ) . Scurfy scale of measurement nymphs mate in August and lay over - winter bollock .
Step 3
Study your red maple trees ' branches and trunk to regain purplish - gray-headed scale louse that resemble flyspeck huitre shells to spot the oystershell scale ( Lepidosaphes ulmi ) . Oystershell scale ass-kisser issue in late May or early June , the nymphs mate in midsummer and the adult scales lay their eggs in late summer or early fall .
Step 4
Identify lecanium scale ( Parthenolecanium spp . ) by their dark-brown , rotund bodies . The lecanium scales mate and the females put their nut in May and June , followed by crawlers emerging in June and July . Look for the nightcrawler feeding on the leaves , and then moving back to the twigs in former summer to over - winter as nymphs .
Treat the Scale Infestation
Apply an insecticidal soap to the branchlet and foliage of your crimson maple tree . Coat the foliage with the insecticidal soap after the shell crawlers have cover , and then go for the insecticidal soap again about 10 sidereal day after .
Spray your scarlet maple tree with an O.K. insecticide , such as carbaryl , acephate , chlorpyrifos or malathion , only when the scale insect are in the angleworm point . Ensure that the insect powder is label for carmine maple Tree and the specific type of scale dirt ball that ’s invade your trees .
Spray your red-faced maples with a inactive horticultural oil in previous winter or early springiness , before bud break . Apply the abeyant oil to coat the total tree for kill the over - wintering scale insects .
Tip
hold the appropriate insect powder to your red maple trees based on the specific species of scale insect ’s angleworm clip period . For cottony maple scale , apply the insect powder in late June or early July ; apply the insect powder in June for scurfy scale ; in recent May or early June for oystershell scales ; or in June and July for lecanium scales .
Warning
Always follow the book of instructions on the insecticide label just . Wear glove and heart protection when you ’re handle or apply chemical to your violent maple trees .
