Scale insects are

Sap is a fluid that circulates through a plant's vascular system, in a similar way to blood moving through our veins. Phloem sap carries the sugars produced in the leaves by photosynthesis down to roots and other storage organs, as well as carrying minerals and hormones. Xylem sap is watery and transports nutrients absorbed by the roots upwards to the rest of the plant. Some plants leak sap from wounds or pruning cuts, and this is known as bleeding.

Apart from the presence of the insects and the white fluffy eggs masses (in spring) the main symptom is the presence of honeydew on which sooty mould often grows.

Symptoms are superficially similar to cushion scale, however that species rarely occurs on viburnum or ivy.

• Where possible tolerate populations of scale insects. Well-tended healthy plants are able to tolerate light populations, although the growth of sooty mould can be unsightly
• Encourage predators in the garden, some ladybirds, parasitoid wasps and some birds will eat scale insects
• Adult scales and egg masses can be removed when seen but this may not reduce large populations
• Consider replacing plants with very large populations