Pine Needle Scale Infestation

Scott Tunnock, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

The majority of pine, fir, and spruce species can suffer from the same issue: pine needle scale (Chionaspis Pnifoliae) infestations. The pests feed on the needles, giving them a scaly look, which is where the name of the creatures comes from. The needles look like white paint has splattered all over them, but it’s far more damaging than that.

What Is a Pine Needle Scale?

A pine needle scale is a pest that feeds on evergreen needles. All types of plants can be affected, including all types of pines, firs, and spruces. You’ll know if you have an infestation of these creatures. The adults are gray-white in color, while the eggs a pink-purple. The eggs attach to the mother scale, covering her while she remains attached to needles. In many instances, the mother will die, but some do survive. The mother will then continue to lay eggs through the spring. This causes problems for the timing of using control methods to get rid of the pests. It’s possible for the eggs to hatch anytime between April and June!

The Lifecycle of the Pine Needle Scale

When hatched, the insects are known as crawlers. They are tiny and have a similar color to their eggs. This is when the creatures are active, moving around throughout the day before feeding on their needles. After about three weeks, the crawlers will become adults and shed their skin to become the golden and then gray-white varieties. The females will remain still for the rest of their days. Males become winged adults and can move to another tree. Usually, only one generation is created per year, but mild winters can lead to two.
The insects will feed on the needles and bark of their chosen home. This can lead to damage cells and removed sap, causing damage to the tree. Needles drop and the trees become susceptible to other disease, damage, and pest infestations.

If you have questions about pine needle scale infestation or any other tree insects and diseases, contact SprayTech, tree health specialists, at (720)248-0000.