Olea europea

Hey.
I posted a question about my olive the other day, and recieved a good answer.
I went out just now to repot it and while doing so I noticed something I dont know what is.
Its hard to the touch, dark brown, stuck on the trunk on several places. I could scrape it off as a whole piece with my fingernail, Its not soft
in the middle and does not look like an insect. I havent seen them before or on any of the other trees.
The olive is now outside in the mild air so I dont risk to infect the other trees if there is a gall or something.
Are they black scale insects? At this time of year?
I tried to get a photo of it:


Hope someone can elighten me.

Sincerely
Storm.

They are indeed scale insects Storm. If there aren't to many, I suggest you just squash them. Look carefully for smaller ones too.

Seems to be black scales after reading about it.
Do the eggs look a bit orange/brownish ? If so, I think there are several down at the base of the tree.
Do they spread easily to the other trees?
I havent used much to kill insects before. I had those small leaf eaters on my beech once, and used a spray.

They're scale.

Rub the eggs against the bark, squashing them. and remove the adult scale by hand and squish them, too. No need for sprays. Wear rubber gloves if you're squeamish.

Thanks guys. That was fast!
Do they lay eggs down in the soil too? If not, it shouldnt be a biggie.
I dont mind squashing bugs Jim.