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Lobate Lac Scale Appearance Facts
Lobate lac scales are part of the scale group of insects, which primarily feed on different kinds of plant matter, making them especially harmful to gardens and orchards. Some key characteristics of lobate lac scales include:
- Quite small in size, 1/10 of an inch (or three millimeters)
- Shield-like shape
- Varying in color, black, brown, or gray
- Waxy coating, which looks like small white speckles
- Gather in large numbers on plants and trees
Distinguishing Lobate Lac Scales From Other Scale Bugs
While there are several types of scale insects, lobate lac scales are distinct due to their color and shape. For example, the cycad Aulacaspis scale and cottony cushion scale are both scale-type bugs, but both are white in color, unlike the lobate lac scale.
We treat lobate lac scales in the following locations and their surrounding areas:
Behavior and Habitat of Lobate Lac Scales
Another similarity between lobate lac scales and other lawn pests is their tendency to build their habitats in large clusters of plant matter. This particular species of scale insect prefers to feed on woody shrubs and trees. Lobster lobate scales are typically found on tree branches, where they may look like knots or bumps in the wood.
Signs of Infestation of Lobate Lac Scales
The scale insects will appear as large masses on host plants, usually covered in a thick layer of sooty mold. Sooty mold will also cover the branches and will occur on some patches on the leaves/foliage. Branch dieback can occur with heavy infestations, and in the most severe cases, extremely infested plants and small plants have died.
Tips for Prevention of Lobate Lac Scales
Since the lobate lac scale is relatively new to the U.S., as it’s native to Asia, lobate lac scale prevention and treatment methods are still being researched. We recommend thoroughly checking trees and plants regularly and cutting off affected branches when possible. Be cautious to not bring home trees or shrubs that could be infected.
Getting Rid of Lobate Lac Scales
Store-bought treatments can cause damage to the plants they’re applied to, so any DIY treatment should be proceeded with caution. Because of this, the best way to treat lobate lac scale is to get help from a professional pest control company, such as Hulett.
Effective Lobate Lac Scale Control Solutions
If you’ve discovered lobate lac scale on trees or shrubs in your yard, it’s time to get a free pest inspection from Hulett. We offer lawn pest control in Florida for lobate lac scales and several other lawn pests. With the help of our highly trained technicians, your lawn will be back to its original healthy state again. For more information about our pest control services, just call Hulett!.
Lobate Lac Scale Gallery
