Parasitic Wasp

Control of California Red Scale and Other Scales Heavy infestations of Red scale will stress citrus trees and reduce yield. High scale levels can even kill branches and entire trees. Although citrus is the main crop damaged by Red scale, it can also be found infesting 77 different species of plants. Aphytis melinus is a tiny wasp that is very effective in combating California Red scale. Standard release rates vary from 40,000 to 90,000 wasps per acre. Although, up to 120,000 wasps per acre may need to be released when scale levels are very high.