Project Description

Kermes Scale

A large scale insect, similar in appearance to lecanium scales, that attacks the twigs of certain oak trees such as red oak. Infestation can cause the branch tips of oak trees to drop off. Adults are rounded and tan-colored. They look similar to buds or other plant growth. Heavy infestations cause “flagging”, where the leaves on branch tips turn off-color, droop and often drop off. Infested trees have reduced growth and vigor. Eggs hatch in September and October and crawlers move to over-wintering sites on tree branches and trunks. Spray treatments in or dormant treatments are effective.