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Pine Needle Scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae)
Pine needle scale is a common armored scale that forms white, oyster-shaped coverings on the needles of pine, spruce, and fir trees, sucking plant sap and causing needle yellowing, browning, and drop in heavily infested trees. The mobile crawler stage in spring is the most vulnerable period for chemical control. Multiple years of heavy infestation can significantly weaken or kill ornamental conifers. Dormant oil sprays applied before bud break and targeted crawler sprays timed to hatch provide effective control.