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What is this?

JensonJenson Posts: 26
in Problem solving
Can you please help me? I have discovered these underneath the leaves of my rhododendrons.



Are they pests? Do I need to treat them? If so, what with?

Posts

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Probably Mealybugs ; I always 'treat' them to a spray of soap solution or very dilute washing-up liquid . Rinse off afterwards though .
    This low cost method breaks down their waxy coating , then either wash or wipe them off the leaves .
    Keep a lookout though as they have the unfortunate habit of re-appearing .
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    That looks like Cushion Scale there. If you only have a mild infestation, you can wipe them off with a damp cloth since they tend to attack mainly evergreen shrubs. Or if you have a large shrub and the infestation is heavy, you can treat with plant oil sprays.

    See link below for more information.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=483

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    edited July 2018
    Egg sacs and young of Cushion scale, I think:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Is this something endemic to Rhododendrons ? Apologies for my apparent ignorance here , but I can honestly say I've never even heard of this !!
    A very descriptive name though .
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