What type of trees are hosts for the Oystershell Scale?

Oystershell Scale is a pest that affects a variety of plants, primarily targeting certain species of deciduous trees. This pest attaches itself to the bark of these trees, where it can be quite difficult to see due to its protective shell, which resembles the shape and color of an oyster shell. The scale feeds on tree sap, which can lead to various issues such as branch dieback and overall stress on the tree.

While coniferous trees might host other pests, they do not typically provide a hospitable environment for Oystershell Scale. Fruit trees also attract a wider range of pests, but they are more commonly affected by other scales or insects, rather than Oystershell Scale itself. Flowering shrubs, on the other hand, may also be at risk but are not the primary host for this specific scale insect.

Therefore, the correct identification of deciduous trees as the primary hosts for Oystershell Scale underscores the importance of monitoring these trees for early signs of infestation, allowing for timely management and treatment.