Scales injure host plants by inserting their threadlike, piercing-sucking mouthparts into needles and withdrawing vital nutrients necessary for plant growth. Excessive loss of plant fluid reduces the growth and health of the plant. Feeding injury causes needles to yellow and drop prematurely giving the crown of an infested tree a thin appearance. Frequently, this pest is found on the same hemlock tree with hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae. There are several key insect and mite pest species that feed on hemlock foliage. It's important to accurately identify what pest species or causal organism is present when maintaining the health of hemlocks. With proper diagnosis we can treat and solve all hemlock issues.