Renee have you identified that you have the problem? There are many plant problems in Florida we have been spared. Al

Hi Al,
Yeah, unfortunately. They are just coating the new fronds that have not yet opened, and the opening fronds are all spotted and yellow. I collected some and we looked at them under the microscope, and sure enough, that's what they are. Little red shiny dots surrounded by fuzzy white stuff.
You know, Al, it's funny you should say that about Florida, because the university web site there says that the red date scale was eliminated in California, and it cites a 1990 source. I am going to call the extension office tomorrow and let them know about this, just in case, but I find it hard to believe that I have the only case of it in CA.
There were numerous other bugs too. It was kind of interesting looking at this whole little microworld: scales, mealybug destroyers, little brown beetles and little weevilly things. But there must be millions of those little brown scales. I'm worried about my Queen Palms- they don't look so hot, but that could be the drought. They are not listed as a species that gets infected by this scale.
Renee

I would put a sample of any bugs along with the foliage they are on in plastic zip lock bags and take them to the extension office and ask that an entomologist identify them for you. It may take a few days, but would be worth it. Al

Thanks Al, I will. I emailed the extension office today and asked about it. No one will be in until tomorrow, so I'll let you know what they say.

Renee