What are these yucky bugs on my pieris?

zakthecat · June 2021

I've just discovered sooty mould on my pieris and when I checked the underside of the leaves I found these nasty beasties. They don't seem to correspond with any of the four main culprits identified on the RHS web page, so I'm hoping someone can tell me what they are and how to get rid of them.

Thanks

wild edges · June 2021

Scale insects. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=224 The white stuff is the eggs. How bad is the infestation? You could remove the affected leaves and burn them or similar if there's a lot or just leave them for the predators if there's only a few. Make sure the plant is kept healthy and it should suffer a minor attack quite easily.

zakthecat · June 2021

Thanks Wild Edges

I'd say the infestation is quite bad but I've only just noticed it as it's only affecting the part of the plant that backs onto the fence so isn't normally visible (I was crawling around doing some serious weeding when I first found it). I've got some Bug Clear Ultra but I'm a bit loath to use strong pesticides unless there's no alternative.

Fairygirl · June 2021

You can wash them off - use your hand as well.
The part nearer the fence will be more prone to pests because it has a poorer environment and air flow. Humidity as well

zakthecat · June 2021

Thanks Fairygirl

Do i just use plain water?

Fairygirl · June 2021

Yes, but make sure you get them off properly and dispose of them if possible

Fire · June 2021

It seems to be a bad year for scale.

zakthecat · June 2021

Thanks everyone, I think I'll get the marigolds on and try washing them off.

What are these yucky bugs on my pieris?

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