White Spots on Holly: Scale, Aphids, or Mealybugs?

White spots only on leaf undersides could be scale, aphids, or mealybugs. Correct ID is essential before treatment.

Options

• Horticultural oil (dormant or summer weight) works on all three if timed to crawler stage. Avoid in hot weather to prevent leaf burn.
• Systemic soil drench: Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control (imidacloprid) taken up by roots; season-long control. Expensive but effective.
• Confirm ID first: Take leaves to a local independent nursery for positive identification.

Read all labels carefully. Broad-spectrum sprays harm beneficials.