Many homeowners are struggling with the ongoing battle with Lace Bugs. Starting in mid spring and going into fall, Lace Bugs will be present within landscapes. It is important for gardeners to to start looking for signs of Lace Bugs on bottoms of leaves in May and continue scouting for the insect throughout the year.

The Insect:

Adult Lace Bugs are going to have a dark color and are small in size. The wings of the adult are clear or translucent and have a “lacey” look to them. Lace Bugs lay white eggs that are football shaped. These eggs are laid on the underside of leaves inside the leaf tissue with fecal excrement covering them. Lace Bugs can have two or more generations in a year.

The Damage:

Damage caused by Lace Bugs is determined based on the amount of insects that are infesting the plant. Symptoms of Lace Bugs include; pale spots, bronzing, or yellow and white stippling of the leaves. Look for black spots on the underside of leaves. This is a good determiner of having Lace Bugs. Also, look for the actual Lace Bug on the underside of leaves. You will be able to see them with the naked eye.

The Control:

There are several control factors that can be utilized to control Lace Bugs. There are a variety of natural predators for Lace Bugs but these are not effective in overall control. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils have good control over Lace Bug nymphs and adults but do not control eggs or have any residual control. Systemic insecticides containing imidacloprid can be applied to the soil which moves up the plant to control Lace Bugs. It is best to start treating Lace Bugs in spring and continuing treatment when Lace Bugs are present.

Lace Bugs are out now so take a look at your azaleas and see if you can spot any of the signs on your plant.