What is this bug?

[Joyce2021]

I have seen this bug on the front and back of the leaves on a few of my plants. And the leaves are slowly dying. I sprayed neem oil. It worked but the bug came back after a couple of weeks.

Does anyone know what the bug is? Should I continue using neem oil?

Thank you.

 

[KateM]

Looks like scale. Repeated applications of neem oil should help.

 

[R0b]

Scale indeed, I prefer to use a systemic insecticide to kill the asap.

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Scale indeed, I prefer to use a systemic insecticide to kill the asap.

I concur, don't waste your time with neem, get a systemic.

 

[Joyce2021]

I concur, don't waste your time with neem, get a systemic.

Will this work?

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Will this work?

Yes, it will.

 

[rockm]

Scale is impervious to sprays once it takes the form shown on your tree. The insect has a waxy coating that sheds moisture.

Scale insects' lifecycle includes a brief "crawler" stage that lasts only a day or so. They are vulnerable to sprays then, but you're not going to be able to catch them in that stage very effectively.

That's why systemics are more effective in controlling them. The poison is spread through the plants' vascular system where it is taken up by the scale.

 

[Joyce2021]

Scale is impervious to sprays once it takes the form shown on your tree. The insect has a waxy coating that sheds moisture.

Scale insects' lifecycle includes a brief "crawler" stage that lasts only a day or so. They are vulnerable to sprays then, but you're not going to be able to catch them in that stage very effectively.

That's why systemics are more effective in controlling them. The poison is spread through the plants' vascular system where it is taken up by the scale.

Thank you

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Will this work?

If you don't want to fool with mixing a liquid for a drench, this works too. It is granulated and you just sprinkle it on.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/BioAdvanced-4-lb-Tree-Food/3357798