Fig Insect: Fig Wax Scale

Information

  • The fig wax scale, Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus), was first discovered in Florida in 1994
  • Talhouk (1975) reported the presence of this scale in the Mediterranean region
  • In North America, it appears that it is only established in Florida (United States)
  • This scale is deeply encased in pinkish-gray wax
Close-up picture of wax scale on fig leaf. Credit: Amir Rezazadeh

Management

  • Treatment (Table 1) should be used for full coverage.
  • Scale insects can’t move at all or only slightly, so direct contact is necessary.
  • If only a few trees are affected, the best way to treat them is with a mobile sprayer or some other focused application tool.
  • At first, you won’t be able to tell the difference between live and dead scales.
  • It will also look like the spray didn’t work if crawlers start to hatch.

Table 1. Recommended chemical controls for scales, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids.

Source: Soft-Bodies Insects Attacking Foliage and Fruit

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Posted: December 20, 2024


Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes
Tags: Fig, Fig Insect, Insect, Pest, Scale


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