Azalea and Rhododendron Lace Bug (DEPRECATED)

On rhododendron and azalea leaves you will notice pale stippled areas on upper surfaces where lace bugs have sucked plant juices, creating an overall bleached appearance. Look at undersides of damaged leaves for brown varnish-like spots (concentrated cast skins and feces) and the distinctive tan and brown lace-winged adults. Heavy infestations turn entire leaves pale yellow or brown.

Spray undersides of leaves thoroughly with water in early June to dislodge nymphs. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil when temperatures stay below 85F; repeat every 10 days as needed. Encourage parasitoid wasps and predatory mites by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. Dense shade reduces populations naturally. Treat only if infestations yellow large canopy portions.