Laurel Oak Dripping Sticky Sap: Scale Insects & Honeydew

A healthy 50″ laurel oak in Sarasota weeps sticky sap under the canopy. This is honeydew from scale insects (likely soft scale).

Identification

• Look for small, turtle-shell bumps on twigs/branches.
• Honeydew attracts sooty mold (blackens leaves) and ants.

Treatment

1. Apply systemic insecticide: imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control) as soil drench.
2. Roots translocate to foliage; scales die when feeding.
3. One application lasts full season.
4. Available at garden centers.

Horticultural oil sprays work on crawlers but need precise timing. Systemic is easier for large trees.