In large populations, azalea lace bugs can weaken plants and leave reminders of their damage behind. But with some extra care and attention, you can help save your plants from unsightly leaf damage.
WHY SO WEARY?
Leaves drop and weaken when lace bugs feed off plants. Their sucking damage removes chlorophyll from the foliage.
Commonly attacked plants include the following:
- Deciduous plants: cotoneaster, hawthorn, oak, pyracantha, quince and sycamore
- Evergreen plants: azalea, mountain-laurel, pieris and rhododendron
THE TRAIL LEFT BEHIND
Lace bug-infested leaves typically feature whitish, flecked damage. Shiny droplets on the underside of leaves is another telltale sign that lace bugs have been present.
KEEP IT COOL.
Lace bugs thrive in the sunshine. To reduce pests and other stress factors on azaleas, plant them in the shade. Azaleas may be able to better defend themselves in these areas.
TREAT THE PROBLEM.