Holly White Round Spots: Scale Insects with Bloody Centers

Holly has white round spots at branch bases; picked off, revealing tiny bloody centers. One branch snapped like dry wood. Owner asks ID and human risk.

ID: Scale Insects

White bumps = scale covers; "bloody center" = crushed insect body (hemolymph). Common on holly: tea scale, Florida wax scale, etc.

No Human Risk

Scales are plant-specific; do not bite, sting, or transmit disease to people.

Resources

• UF/IFAS holly pests guide (IN649)
• NC State holly insect notes
• UC IPM scale management fact sheet

Confirm exact scale species via links; then follow UC IPM control options (horticultural oil, systemic neonicotinoids, timing to crawler stage).