CCS got me frustrated

[RyanL]

I am having the toughest time getting rid of Cottony Cushion Scale. Is there a formula for getting these buggers gone?
Ants are not the problem, I have gotten rid of them a while ago.

[Millet]

Ryan CCS is a Hard bug to eradicate with chemicals. Horticultural oil sprayed with good force is commonly recommended. However, I'm sure it would take repeated, and repeated applications. - Millet

[brian]

I have this on my trees also.  I thought it was mealybugs but it is clearly CCS.  Soap spray works somewhat but not as well as I'd hoped.  Previously I didn't have issues with these scale when my trees are outdoors as predatory insects would kill most of them.  Nothing seems to be eating them this seasons, though.  I'm surprised as they seem like an easy to see, defenseless, tasty meal for wasps.  Perhaps I will order some ladybugs.

[mrtexas]

I am having the toughest time getting rid of Cottony Cushion Scale. Is there a formula for getting these buggers gone?
Ants are not the problem, I have gotten rid of them a while ago.

2-3 applications of dormant oil will get rid of them. Insecticides not effective.

[brian]

Spraying dormant oil is safe during midsummer?  I know the oil sticks around on the leaves for a while, I would imagine that if the oil causes transpiration issues midday that this would happen even on the subsequent days.

I know my hort oil mentions to spray midwinter on decidous trees.

[mrtexas]

Spraying dormant oil is safe during midsummer?  I know the oil sticks around on the leaves for a while, I would imagine that if the oil causes transpiration issues midday that this would happen even on the subsequent days.

I know my hort oil mentions to spray midwinter on decidous trees.

Yes you have to use the summer dosage. My oil is 3 tablespoon per gallon in summer and 5 in winter. I spray
90F+ with no damage whatsoever.

[brian]

Thank you, I will try this.  I'm getting sick of squishing these scale.

[Tom]

Brian, just to be safe I'd suggest you spray oil either early or late in the day. I'd double check the directions on the oil you have. I think my oil says 1 tablespoon per gallon of water or maybe I reduced the rate to be safe. The first time I sprayed some of my potted citrus in mid summer with horticulture oil I sprayed after dark. I could hardly sleep. I got up at dawn and rinsed them off with plain water ! I was scared to death !! I had no damage. I've been so careful about not spraying during the hottest part of the day that I've never had a problem.

I'm 64 and have a farming background. My father did not like dormant oils and we never used them. He always said oil and water don't mix, how can you spray that stuff. We did not grow peaches but had lots of pecan trees.

The oils today are much better and much safer. They are more refined so they stay in suspension better than the old stuff that was really just for winter use. Today's oils are for summer but I would not spray them in the middle of the day. I've heard of very good growers that spray all day when they have to but they must be using a light rate of oil. I also know a very good pecan grower that usually sprays only at night. The wind and evaporation is usually much more favorable at night.

I'd much rather spray horticultural oil than any insecticide that is toxic to people. I've used lots of organophosphotes years ago and they are probably still ok as a last resort but they have been abused and over used by many of us.

Tom

[brian]

So far I am holding off until it cools off a bit... it has been *extremely* hot in PA lately.  I do appreciate the caution.

[Citradia]

I sprayed my citrus yesterday with "all seasons" oil since finding infestation of scales on my grapefruit tree. It has a big section in the instruction pamflet for spaying citrus, 1 to 4 oz per gallon depending on level of infestation. No problems with oil hurting my trees and I've used it for years.

[Tom]

Great ! What were your maximum temps yesterday ? I think my maximum temps yesterday was 97* f and that was measured in the shade. Tom

[RyanL]

Good discussion, Ill try Ultra fine or equivalent oil and report back.

[Millet]

Ultra Fine Horticultural Oil, is now called Ultra Pure H.O. - Millet

[daytripper]

The ultra pure oil only seems to come in 2.5 gallon and goes for about $75.00.  It is made of 98% mineral oil which can be bought in about any size for a lot less money.  Is there any reason not to just use mineral oil?  I can get a gallon of food grade mineral oil for less than $20.00.

[Tom]

The usual stuff I see around is just called 'Horticultural Oil' in 2 1/2 gallons. Big box stores might have Ultra Fine in a smaller container. They all seem to have Neem Oil in large and small sizes but I did not care for the smell. Neem Oil might cost a little bit more in some packages and I think it has a reputation for better kill power and more fungicide activity. Ultra Pure on line says fungicide activity too. Tom

[Citradia]

Tom, my max temp yesterday and today was 89 degrees. I used All Seasons horticultural and dormant oil for organic gardening, made by Bonide. Label says don't use when temp below 40 degrees or above 90. I guess it would be hard to use if one lives in FL or where highs in 90's a lot. I got mine at Lowe's.

[Millet]

Daytripper, there are Mineral oils and then there are Mineral oils.  Not all Mineral oils are equal.  The big difference is the evaporation time of a particular formulation, thus the  amount of time  the leaf surface is covered with oil.  If the oil stays too long on the leaf's surface into the heat of a summer's day big damage can  occur.  Ultra Pure is a quick evaporating mineral oil.  It use to come in 1-gallon jars, but as 99 percent of the sales are by commercial grower it is now sold only in 2.5-gallon jugs.  One 2.5-gallon jug last me about 1 full season. - Millet