Pinyon Needle Scales (PNS)

PNS eggs have been found in the Payson area. This insect defoliates and kills pinyon pine trees. The eggs appear as very noticeable clusters of yellow eggs held together by a loose, cotton-like webbing mainly in branch crotches, the underside of branches, or at the base of the tree.

To control this infestation:

1. Wash the eggs of the branches and trunk with a hose and allow the litter and eggs to dry on the ground for several days.

2. Rake the litter and eggs from under the tree and dispose in a plastic garbage bags.

For further information, call Bob Celaya, Forest Health Specialist, at 602-771-1415 or visit https://extension.arizona.edu/pubs/pinyon-needle-scale

There's a good You Tube video at https://gardening-guide.wonderhowto.com/how-to/identify-pinon-needle-scale-339680/