Is this a scale?

october

Be very thankful that it is not scale. Scale is one of the most difficult insects to eradicate. I have been dealing with scale infestations on my bonsai for about 3 years. I have done much research, you know, the whole know your enemy thing. First, I would not throw the picked off insects anywhere but down the toilet or in a sealed bag in the garbage. As scale get older, they keep secreting a fluid which builds a thicker and thicker shell. This is the reason why they are immune to many pesticides. Also, even when you pluck them off the tree, the eggs are left. Thats where they lay their eggs, underneath the protective shell. There are many ways that scale can get on trees. One is that the eggs blow in the wind and land on your trees. Another is that the scale eggs are carried by ants. It also can be passed from tree to tree if they are watered together or are touching each other.
I have had some good success in the past year using a horticultural oil and sometimes a systemic. The oil works in a smothering fashion. It coats them so they can't breath or move. It is good because it is a weak pesticde and not as harmfull to humans as other contact pesticides. Alas, I don't think that the insect in the picture looks like scale. At least none that I have ever seen. Good luck.