By Gee19
Kent,
United Kingdom 
My much loved eunonymous that has hugged my bird table for many years, seems to be suffering from a disease or infestation. I enclose photos showing the problem, which, at the moment, is only affecting the 'head' . I am reluctant to spray because of the little birds that use it so regularly. I would be grateful for any guidance and just hope I don't have to behead him
30 Jul, 2018
Answers
That is definitely euonymus scale, and you will need to treat because eventually it will kill the plant. Best times to spray are June and September, but information in the link below - there are some organic treatments available, but they're not so effective
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=798
30 Jul, 2018
Thank you both for your responses. I will check out the RHS link, Bamboo.
30 Jul, 2018
I'd say it is mildew. You can spray with a fungicide and if you do it late in the evening then no harm will come to the birds. You can wash the bird table with soapy water afterwards. There are some sites you can Google which reckons to spray a solution of baking powder. Have a look and see what you think. Perhaps a prune might help to encourage a good air flow but eunonymous are quite susceptible to mildew.
30 Jul, 2018