Azalea leafminer

You will find pale blotch or serpentine mines within rhododendron and menziesia leaves with tiny larvae visible inside creating irregular patterns. Infested leaves may drop prematurely if mines are extensive. Look for this damage beginning in late spring on new growth of Pacific rhododendron species.

Prune and destroy heavily mined leaves during growing season to remove developing larvae. Rake and destroy fallen leaves in autumn to eliminate overwintering pupae. Cosmetic pest causing minimal plant impact; tolerating minor mining maintains natural parasitoid populations. Consider spray treatment only if aesthetic damage is severe on specimen plants, which is rare.