Ceroplastes rusci has been detected on many occasions in England and Wales and statutory action has been taken to eradicate incursions of the scale on five occasions. A rapid assessment is required to determine if continued statutory action is justified.

This rapid assessment shows: 

Risk of entry – moderately likely The main route of entry is likely to be on growing ornamental plants from countries where the scale has been reported. Detection of early instars is difficult, particularly when present at low density. The scale may only be observed when mature specimens are present or numbers have built up to such a density that they are already causing damage. Risk of establishment – in protected ornamentals is likely It is very unlikely to naturalise and overwinter outdoors in Britain but could establish on indoor plantings, at least as transient populations (as it has in the past). 

Rate of spread – very slow 

Spread is most likely to be with infested plants in trade. 

Economic impact – may have a small impact to indoor ornamentals 

It is an economic pest of fig and citrus, neither of which are grown as commercial crops in the UK. It may have a small impact on the aesthetic quality and market value of indoor ornamental plants but there is little data available to quantify the economic implications. 

Endangered area – protected ornamentals 

Risk management: In the absence of phytosanitary measures the scale is likely to continue to enter the UK. It may be controlled using the same products used for other soft scales already present in the UK