White stuff on my lilac bushes

[Deerthug]

I have lilac bushes that get a white cheesy looking crud on the branches

Any ideas what this is?

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[NonTypical]

Scale. You can blast it off with a garden hose. But a better solution would be to use insecticidal soap. You can also treat with horticultural oil at a very low rate. Less than 2%.

[bugsNbows]

In addition to the above recommendations, I'd apply granular Imidacloprid (Merit, trade name) to the soil around the base. Add some fertilizer also to aid in pick-up by the plant. 

[Deerthug]

Thanks I will try your suggestions.

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