Alabama has a new insect called Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS). The beautiful crape myrtles in the city of Huntsville and other areas of Madison County, Alabama are one of the worst infestations in the state. Infested trees have darkened shoots and trunks from sooty mold.  The MGNA developed a task force of Master Gardener (MG) representatives from Madison and surrounding counties (Limestone, Morgan, Jackson, and Marshall). The CMBS Task Force is working with Rhonda Britton (Madison Co. Extension Agent), Dr. David Held, and his entomology team at Auburn University for updates on the biology and controls. The CMBS Task Force strategy is to get word out about the insect, how to scout, and to develop a map pinpointing infected trees, as well as other additional handouts. They are engaging the public at community events to inform about the insect. The main objective is to help educate people on the insect and symptoms of infestation as well as urging people to report infested trees. Since they started, at least one county has been recorded and many new locations documented.