Copyright 2010-2011 Updated December 9, 2011 Ultralawn, Inc. 1055 East 260th Street Euclid, Ohio  44132 (216) 731-7756 (440) 951-3738 About • Lawn Care • Trees/Shrubs • Pest Barrier • Questions • Contact Lawn Pests   We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions Scale   Scale insects are small, immobile insects with no visible legs or antennae, pressed tightly against the plant on which they are feeding. Many are common and serious pests of trees, shrubs and other ornamental plants. Damage: Scale insects feed on plant sap. They have long, threadlike mouth parts, which are six to eight times longer than the insect itself. Scale feeding slowly reduces plant vigor; heavily infested plants grow poorly and may suffer die back of twigs and branches. An infested host is occasionally so weakened that it dies. Control: Dormant oil treatments can be used against almost all scale problems and is generally applied in very early spring, before bud break. This treatment is very effective, but must be carefully timed, as Scale insects are only active for a limited period.