Having done a search on the web I was directed to this site : Grows on You

Cheshire, United Kingdom

Having done a search on the web I was directed to this site. I have read several items relating to this problem, and would like to send in photo's for your opinion please.

I have a few bay trees all of which this year have developed this problem... The leaves are covered with a black, soot-like coating. Reading a similiar problem on your web site I washed them, as advised, with a 1 part milk 9 parts water solution, then noticed these creatures on quite a few of the leaves. Could you tell me if or what treatment I could buy that will kill these bugs please?

Kind regards, D

21 Nov, 2009

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Answers

Seaburngirl

this is a scale insect infestation. You can spray with a systemic insecticide to kill them. or if it is only a few leaves squish them. This looks quite bad so I'd go for the insecticide. It is a sap sucking critter. They excrete a sugary waste that then provides food for the sooty mould. this is what makes them look black.

hope this helps.

21 Nov, 2009

Owdboggy

Agrre with Seaburngirl. However, I would add that if you use the leaves in cooking, remove as many as you need (ones without the scale) and freeze them before using the insecticide.

21 Nov, 2009

Bulbaholic

Agree with the above. The infestation looks pretty bad but you won't be able to use the leaves for a while after spraying. Keep an eye on them next year and squash any more if they reappear.

21 Nov, 2009