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Houston Matters

Gardening Advice: Invasive Insect Attacks Houston Crepe Myrtles

A new study says crepe myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is spreading through Houston. Horticulturist Linda Gay talks about the problem and answers gardening advice questions from Houston Matters listeners.

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Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale
Efran Vafaie
An example of crepe myrtle bark scale (CMBS), which is the result of an insect. The condition appears as a white or gray felt-like crust on the bark of crepe myrtle trees. A new study says it’s spreading in Houston.

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Wondering what that weird, gray, felt-like crust is on your crepe myrtle trees? It might be something called crepe myrtle bark scale (CMBS). A new study from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service says it's spreading through Houston.

CMBS is actually the result of an insect (the bark scale crawler), and the condition appears as a white or gray felt-like crust on the bark of crepe myrtles. The first sign of the pest is a black, sooty mold on bark.

While CMBS is not fatal to trees, it will stunt their growth and affect flowering.

Linda Gay, a horticulturist at The Arbor Gate Nursery in Tomball, joins us to explain the problem – and to answer all your gardening questions.

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