Mostly found in pine and spruce trees. Mature scales are tiny insects that are covered by a white, oblong, waxy protective covering that is 2.5 to 3 mm in length. Scales overwinter as eggs beneath female scales on the needles. In mid-May crawlers hatch and migrate to new needles on the tree. The crawlers then molt to an immobile nymph stage that feeds on the sap and secretes the scale covering. In the Central Great Plains, scales mature in July and lay eggs for a second generation. In the Northern Great Plains, scales mature and lay eggs in the fall. By August needles become spotted with white elongated scales. Damaged needles are discolored and may fall prematurely. Severely infested trees are less vigorous and occasionally may be killed.

Pine Needle Scale

​

Photo courtesy of The Nebraska Forest Service –

Nebraska University www.nfs.unl.edu

eric@bodetreecare.com

phone

847-909-2100