| So... What are Scale? Scale insects can be devastating to fruits, ornamentals, trees and houseplants if the infestation is severe. Two of the more common types are the hard scale and the soft scale. Many similarities occur within these two types, although there are some notable differences that can affect which methods of control you select. Hard scale have detachable covers and soft scale's covers aren’t detachable. Both are hard and waxy. Hard scale tend to stay on woody tissue (twigs, branches, trunks) and soft scale migrate to foliage during growing season and back to woody tissue to overwinter. Both species' females have a rounded shape and range in size from 1/10"-1/5" in diameter. They do not have legs or wings and cannot fly. 
In the soft scale species, females are larger than males who resemble very small flies. The female hard scales produce a waxy protective substance over themselves and their eggs, often making control a challenge. In both species, the nymphs begin as tiny crawling insects, but then after a short period, they settle down, lose their legs, and stay in one spot, with the female hard scale becoming immobile. The female soft scale does not lose its legs, but they become so small they rarely move anywhere. The male scale of both species become small fly-like insects. Reproduction Patterns of Scale Female scale may have live offspring or may lay eggs. The nymphs, after they are born or hatch, crawl around for a short period of time to feed and then go through a stage where they lose their legs or their legs become very tiny. They stay at one place, immobilized for the rest of their short lives. Male scale will turn into very small insects that resemble flies. The nymphs or eggs of scales spend the winter amid the cracks and crevices of tree bark. Female scale may also overwinter. Scale's Habitat Over 1,000 species of scale can be found in the United States and Canada. Soft scales are found throughout the U.S. and Canada, while the hard scale is found largely in the southern regions of the U.S. They thrive in fruit bushes and fruit trees, ornamental plants and shrubs, and shade trees as well as houseplants. Safer®Brand brings you a variety of effective insect control products that are gentler on the environment! Most of them proudly display the OMRI Listed® organic seal and comply for use in organic gardening! 
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