"Watch For Cottony Cushion Scales"

Photo credit: S.D. Frank.

NC State Extension has published a very helpful article about Cottony Cushion Scales" by Steven Frank.

"Cottony cushion scale is an exotic pest that has been in the US for over a century. Initially a pest of citrus in California cottony cushion scale is now a pest of many crops including ornamentals throughout the southern US. It is quite generalist and feeds on many ornamental plants such as Nandina, Euonymus, Boxwood, Rose, and others. Today I went out looking for tulip tree scales on magnolias and instead found a severe cottony cushion scale infestation."

Since many of the plants it feeds upon are popular ornamentals - perhaps even in your own garden - you'll definitely want to read more at:

https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/03/watch-for-cottony-cushion-scales/