Christmas Tree Scouting Report: June 25, 2025

Weekly scouting report compiled by Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension, Schuylkill County. This week's scouting data contributors: Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension, Don deMackiewicz, Sarah Pickel and Cathy Thomas (PDA), Jim Fogarty (Schuylkill County), Rick Geissler (Berks County), Gerrit Strathmeyer II (Adams and York County).

Pest Information 

Cryptomeria Scale

Emerged and settled Cryptomeria scale crawlers were found in Schuylkill County this week. Eggs are still being found under the scales at this time. Growers should consider spraying at this time. Buprofezin and Dinotefuran are recommended.

Fletcher Scale 

This week, once again, Fletcher scale has been found on Thuja and Hemlock in our scouting areas. Fletcher scale has one generation per year in Pennsylvania and overwinters as immature nymphs on twigs and branches. In late spring, typically May to early June, the nymphs mature into females and begin laying eggs under their soft, dome-shaped covers. These eggs hatch in mid to late June, releasing crawlers that briefly move before settling on needles to feed. This crawler stage is the most effective time to treat, as they are not yet protected by their wax covering. Through the summer, the young scales develop into immatures that will overwinter and restart the cycle the following year. Monitoring for crawlers with sticky tape or close inspection helps time treatments accurately. Buprofezin and Dinotefuran are recommended for treatment. 

Bag Worms

Bag worms have been found in Berks and York Counties. In York County, bagworms have been observed on branches feeding and starting to spin the cone-shaped silken bag around themselves for protection. Contact insecticides are not as effective when this bag is formed. Ingested, systemic pesticides are a better option. Setting traps in August for the males can help prevent breeding and reduce populations. For more information, see Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes from North Carolina Extension.