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California Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantii)
California red scale is one of the most damaging pests of citrus worldwide, forming circular, reddish-brown armored coverings on fruit, leaves, and branches as it feeds on plant sap. The mobile crawler stage is the most vulnerable and the ideal time for chemical control. Heavy infestations reduce fruit quality and yield, and can eventually kill branches. Timed insecticide applications targeting crawlers, along with biological control using parasitic wasps, are the cornerstones of effective management.