If your Crape Myrtle looks like this, it's infected with a devastating pest!
This insect doesn't have a name yet, but it's thought to be an exotic pest which somehow found its way to north Texas. One of the first signs is a black coating that appears on the bark and branches. Leaves and limbs may feel sticky as well. The insects appear as white, waxy encrustations located near pruning wounds or in branch crotches.
Visit the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension website to learn more about Crape Myrtle bark scale and what to do to help protect and save your trees.