Spruce bud scale

The reddish-brown covering of spruce bud scale resembles a spruce bud, making it often unrecognized on new shoot bases in Western Washington. Small scales cluster in groups of 3-8 at the base of shoots. Heavy infestations cause branches to appear black from sooty mold growth on honeydew, with lower branches becoming ragged and sometimes dying.

Immatures overwinter at bud bases; one generation per year with crawlers appearing in June. Scout needles at bud bases in winter for scale presence. Horticultural oil in early spring targets overwintering immatures. Prune infested branches if needed. Maintain tree vigor.