Harmful Insects

European Elm Scale

European Elm Scale

The European elm scale (Gossyparia spuria) is a small oval shaped scale. It is a reddish brown color surrounded by a white, waxy fringe. The scale causes injury by sucking out the nutrient rich sap that the tree produced as food for its self. The scale takes out much more fluid than it can use which causes an accumulation of a sticky substance called honeydew. The presence of honeydew is one of the signs of scale infestation. Scales cause premature yellowing, premature leaf drop and if the infestation is severe enough, wilting of leaves. This can often appear like, and be confused with, the early signs of Dutch elm disease. Damaged leaves may fail to drop in the fall and remain on the tree all winter. Twig die back may also occur by midsummer if the infestation is very severe. To learn more see the attached information sheet.

To learn more see the attached information sheet
by clicking the PDF icon below.