Pine Needle Scale
Egg-The mature egg is pinkish to reddish brown and oval.
Nymph-Newly hatched crawlers are reddish brown with black eyespots.
Host Plants -Most pines as well as firs, spruces, deodar cedar, yew (Taxes), and Torreya are infested by the pine needle scale.
Damage -Pine needle scales are most damaging to ornamental pine plantings. Austrian and mugho pines may be so heavily infested that these shrubs become chlorotic and suffer premature needle drop.
Life History -Pine needle scales overwinter as eggs under the mother's armor. These eggs hatch in late spring. Tiny crawlers emerge from under the mother's armor and begin feeding on the needles. As they mature, the characteristic white, waxy armor is secreted in midsummer. Males emerge and mate with females. Another brood is produced in late July. There are two generations per year.
Pine needle scale is usually not considered an economic pest, although on specimen plants or nursery stock chemical control may be desired. The best time to treat is in May or late July when the crawlers are present. For specific chemical controls, see the current state extension service recommendations.