Question
I read an answer to Bill, (email 9/13) and the description sounds very much like Cinch bug egg sacs.  My magnolia tree has cottony, white spots on the bottom side on many of the lower branches.  Are Cinch bugs harmful to Magnolia trees, and if so, can you recommend a treatment?

Thanks,

David

Answer
David:
I never have heard of chinch bugs damaging a tree. You may be seeing a type of scale insect. Use Google Images and look at scale insects (they are several types). Also, carry a few of these to your local garden center/nursery and request an ID. Insecticides containing imidacloprid are effective for these and many other insects.

Regards
Steve