Biology and Identification
Adult Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS) females are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects found on the bark of crape myrtles. They are in a group called felt scales. They have white or gray waxy covering and produce fluffy white egg cases that look like cotton swabs. Nymphs live on bark amongst the adults and are pink or orange with varying amounts of white wax. CMBS has at least two generations each year, likely more in warmer regions and in urban areas. In many parts of NC all life stages are found throughout the year.
CMBS feeds on the phloem sap of crape myrtles using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. As they feed, they excrete honeydew, which is a sugary liquid that promotes the growth of sooty mold, leading to blackened, unsightly foliage.
Branch infested with crape myrtle bark scale.
Jim Robbins, Univ. of Ark. CES, Bugwood.org
Crape myrtle bark scale adults with eggs.
Helene Doughty, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org
Crape myrtle bark scales.
Gary Brooks, Bayer CropScience, Bugwood.org
Damage
Heavy infestations can reduce growth and flowering of crape myrtle trees, resulting in weakened and unhealthy plants. The honeydew excreted by CMBS is a substrate for sooty mold growth. This black, powdery mold covers leaves, stems, and other surfaces.
Crape myrtle infested with crape myrtle bark scale with sooty mold.
Jim Robbins, Univ. of Ark. CES, Bugwood.org
Honeydew on leaves from crape myrtle bark scale.
Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Management
Inspect crape myrtle trees for signs of CMBS infestation, such as white to gray fluff or wax on branches and trunks. Remove heavily infested branches and stems to reduce infestations.
Some homeowners use a pressure washer or hose to remove scales from the bark. This is an easy, inexpensive, and non-toxic way to reduce CMBS abundance.
Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can reduce CMBS abundance especially when crawlers (newly hatched nymphs) are present. Systemic insecticides can be applied to the soil to provide longer management. Imidacloprid is the systemic most commonly found in retail stores. This is a neonicotinoid insecticide that may contaminate flower parts that bees and other beneficial insects visit. Other insecticides can be applied by professionals.
Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewing larvae, can help manage CMBS populations. Some ladybeetle larvae such as Scymnus spp. and Cryptolaemus spp. mimic crape myrtle bark scales and should not be killed. These larvae will move around the bark whereas bark scales do not move. Encourage a diverse and balanced ecosystem in your yard to support these beneficial insects. Mosquito sprays can kill these beneficial insects and lead to pest outbreaks.
Twicestabbed lady beetle is a predator of crape myrtle bark scale.
Mengmeng Gu, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org
Some lady beetle larvae mimic scales and mealybugs.
Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
Lady beetle larva.
Winston Beck, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org
Publication date: Aug. 8, 2025
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
NC Cooperative Extension prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, sexo (incluyendo el embarazo), discapacidad, religión, orientación sexual, identidad de género, información genética, afiliación política, y estatus de veteran.
The use of brand names in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University of the products or services named nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.