Something on my Hydrangea

My hydrangea is in flower but I noticed lots of white "things" on some branches and under the leaves.
Doe anyone know what it is? Help much appreciated, thanks.

 

Looks like hydrangea scale although it's a bit late in the summer.

Here's a link to the RHS advice on this particular pest.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profiles0700/hydrangea_scale.asp

 

Hi Flinty, I looked at the link and yes that looks like the little blighters.
I will have to get to work on it, thanks for your help.

 

Yep, scale insect.:gnthb:

 

Thanks to you both.
Does anyone know why it is there or is it just one of those things?

 

Hi Kath

The worrying thing about hydrangea scale is that it's a relatively recent import to this country and it's still spreading into areas for the first ime. There's nothing that you've done to attract it - it's just found you!

It looks like your shrub has quite a bad attack. Anything you can do to wipe it out will help reduce the spread of this pest which also attacks viburnums, apparently.

 

Yes thanks Flinty, the Hydrangea is not looking any where near as good as past years. It is normally beautiful by now. I have the name of the remedy written down here so a trip to a garden centre is on the agenda!