White disease on the leaves and stems

[Lynniepoos]

Hi

I need help. 2 of my hydrangeas have a white fungus/bug on the leaves and stems. I think they look more like some sort of bug casing as they are like flattish coccons like butterflies have! They are pure white and slightly fluffly.

Does anybody have any ideas what it could be and how I can treat it please?

Thanks
Lynn

[luis_pr]

It could be spittle bugs or leaf roller bugs. You should be able to place one into a transparent sealed plastic bag to a local nursery or extension service for identification. If it is spittle buds, they are seldom a serious problem but you can remove them by hand or spray water.

[ferdette]

Hi - I have the same problem - on the backs of leaves and stems. Not spittle bugs. Did you ever get a solution? A friend said it was scale, but I haven't been able to verify or cure. Photos are here: https://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd477/ferdette1/th_IMG_6274.jpg. Any help appreciated!

[luis_pr]

I could not see your picture but scale becomes active around this time of the year. Cottony maple leaf scale is common in your area.

You can see picture of scale insects below (although you usually do not see but a handful of scale insects per leaf at first). You should see some movement when these pests attack a leaf. If they do not move around, the may have already left.

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problem-solving/garden-pests-euonymus-scale/main.jpg

Here is more information on scale:

https://www.grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_maintenance_tipping_scales/