Variegated Dogwood White Sticky Sacks: Spittlebug, Mealybug, or Scale

Identifying the White Masses

Wisconsin variegated dogwoods with wet, sticky white sacks (3–4 per branch, hundreds total) after wet spring → warm summer—three possibilities:

1. Spittlebugs (frothy, nymphs inside)
2. Mealybugs (cottony, mobile)
3. Scale insects (waxy, stationary)

Unified Systemic Treatment

Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insecticide (imidacloprid) soil drench at base—kills all three systemically within 1–2 weeks. Lasts 12 months. Usable on many landscape plants. Available at Home Depot.

Why Systemic Wins

• Reaches protected feeders under bark/leaves.
• One application = season-long.
• Dogwoods recover quickly from these pests.

Healthy appearance despite infestation means early treatment prevents damage.