Azaleas are in full bloom and a real treat in our southern landscapes. These vibrant shrubs soften the edges of our urban environment and provide incredible color during the spring.
Azaleas are known to be hardy plants but only bloom for a short period of time. While they're in bloom, make sure they are protected from pests.
A primary threat to these beautiful blooms is the lace bug. In this post, we'll share how to spot lace bugs and recommendations on how to treat for this pest.
How to spot lace bug damage on azaleas
The lace bug is quite common in the Charlotte, NC area. If your azaleas aren't looking their best, look a little closer.
Lace bugs feed on the undersides of the leaves, leaving obvious damage. They suck the chlorophyll and sugars out of the leaves similar to how a mosquito drinks blood from animals. This causes the leaves to turn yellow and have a stippled appearance close up. You'll see small black dots where the lace bugs have fed.
Look at the underside of the leaves, and you may even see the lace bugs themselves this time of year. The insect is 2-3 millimeters long and has clear wings with dark veins that give it a “lacey” appearance.
How to treat lace bugs on azaleas
The good news is lace bugs are easily controlled through our plant health care services. Our plant health care pros have three top treatments they use when treating for lace bugs. You can keep your plants happy and healthy with timely applications of:
- Basal bark sprays
- Soil injections
- Foliar sprays
For more information on lace bug treatments for your azaleas to keep them healthy and happy, request a consultation today!
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