By Spjs
Carmarthenshire,
United Kingdom 
I have a Bay Tree which is thriving, bub it has these things on it. I have been pulling them off every now and again. What I would like to know is what are they? and Are they harmful to the plant? Take a look at the pictures and anyone with a clue would be helpful.
Thank you.
9 Oct, 2011
Answers
Try painting them with meths if there aren't too many.
9 Oct, 2011
They are Coccus hesperidum , or Soft Scale or
Brown Soft Scale,
They suck sap and in very large numbers can weaken plants. on a bay you will find them on leaf and stems. They also secrete honeydew and therefore attract ants and wasps. I pick the affected leaves off and sqidge them with my thumb nail.
You could use an insecticide like Provado but as I use them for cooking I never would.
9 Oct, 2011