How to treat scale insects on boxwood hedges? Try these clever tips

In recent years, scale insects have become fairly common in landscaping, with boxwood hedges suffering the most severe damage. Through years of exploration and experimentation, the author has mastered the following technical points:

(1) Before spring bud break, spray 3 to 5 degrees Baume lime sulfur mixture or 3 to 5% diesel emulsion to eliminate overwintering nymphs.

(2) When female scale insects are carrying eggs and their body weight increases sharply, before egg laying, use a high-pressure water hose to wash the insects off the branches, then supplement with chemical protection.

(3) Before chemical control during the hatching period, give the hedge a heavy pruning, which helps improve the control effect.

(4) The best time for chemical control of scale insects is the peak hatching period, when the scale insects have not yet thickened their shells and the pesticide can penetrate easily. You can choose 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate, 40% monocrotophos water-soluble agent, or Jiesijing emulsifiable concentrate at 400 to 800 times dilution, spraying once every 7 to 10 days for 2 to 3 consecutive sprays.

Using the above methods, the insect kill rate can reach over 90%. In addition, for newly infested areas with fewer insects, you can simply remove them thoroughly with a brush or bamboo stick.