What is this disease or pest killing my plants?

Does anyone have any idea what this disease or pest is that is eating my plants and killing them? it is on several of my shrubs / plants including a Nandina domesatica and a Hypericum spaced several feet apart. These things aren't moving and when you squash them have a yellow gunk inside. I'd really like to know what they are so I can try to save my garden as it seems to be spreading!

 

It looks a bit like cushion scale
Soapy water can help but I'd use neem oil

 

Thank you, I’ll look into this

 

I'd use a systematic insecticide.

 

Even Neem oil would need soap adding to it to get through the waxy coating on the scale insects.

 

I used Resolva bug killer spray, it says it kills scale bugs, is this the kind of thing you meant?

 

I would go round and crush all of them them with fingers and thumbs ,it may take a bit of time but worth the effort and no chemicals.
I get them periodically on my grape vine and that’s what I do.
Good luck.

 

I've got Bug Clear Ultra, it states it's systematic.
Read the instructions if it states systematic it should work.

If you go down the chemical route or not is up to you, and probably depends on how big the problem is.

 

Check the effect on Bees before using any systemic insecticide. If the poison gets into the pollen then it can kill bees.

 

Never had to use a emulsifier before on neem, I used it neat, but suppose it would be easier mixed in a spray bottle

 

How did you use neem oil straight?
The bottle I have has the consistency of engine oil.

 

Cotton swabs. I used it on my tropical hibiscus for scale and RSM

 

Sounds like a long job.

Bet it made the leaves shine.

 

Made the leaves fall off, the RSM had sucked the life out of the plants

 

Ouch they look horrible! Sorry I'm not here with any help but I really hope you get rid of the pesky things!