Tea Scale

(Lower leaf surface of camellia)

Dark = Female; Light = Male scale insects

Tea scale frequently attacks Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica), sasanqua (C. sasanqua), and tea (C. sinensis). Tea scales can usually be found on the underside of the leaves where they suck the plant sap. Their feeding produces yellow splotches on the upper leaf surface. Also, look for sooty mold, a fungus that feeds on the honeydew excreted by the scale insects.

Control: Dormant oil sprays applied in the spring before new growth begins and insecticides are available.