The Invader from Japan:

Delaware County’s beloved azaleas face a silent threat: the azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyroides). Introduced from Japan in the early 1900s, this tiny pest has become a destructive enemy for azaleas in the eastern United States.

How They Wreak Havoc:

These sneaky bugs hide on the underside of leaves, sucking out vital fluids. This feeding leaves behind yellow to brownish speckling on the upper leaf surface, eventually leading to stunted growth, early leaf drop, and even complete defoliation in severe cases.

Understanding the Enemy:

• Nymph Stage: Hatching in early spring, these colorless nymphs molt five times as they feed on leaves, turning black and spiny over time.
• Adult Stage: Tiny (1/8 inch long) with lacy, transparent wings adorned with brown and black markings, adults mate by mid-summer.
• Egg Laying: Females lay eggs along leaf veins, covered with dark, varnish-like. These eggs overwinter and hatch the following spring.
• Generations: Depending on location, there can be two or three generations per year, with the last generation’s eggs enduring winter on the leaves.

Susceptible Hosts:

Azaleas (Rhododendron) are the sole target of this destructive pest.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

• Discolored spots or bleaching on the upper leaf surface.expand_more
• Whitish leaves that dry up and fall prematurely in severe infestations.

Signs of an Azalea Lace Bug Infestation:

• Look for the tiny adults with their distinctive lacy wings on the underside of leaves.expand_more
• Spot black, spiny nymphs feeding on the leaves.
• Notice hard, dark excrement deposits on the underside of leaves, especially along the veins.
• Keep an eye out for white, flask-shaped eggs tucked into leaf tissue.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late:

Fortunately, effective management strategies exist.exclamation At Executive Tree Care, we offer comprehensive solutions to protect your azaleas and ensure their continued beauty and health.

Our Proven Strategies:

• Preventive Action: Early intervention is key! We recommend incorporating soil applications of Xytect or Transtect in your plant health care program. These systemic solutions provide long-lasting control by targeting nymphs before they cause damage.
• Early Detection and Intervention: Our arborists conduct thorough inspections to identify any signs of lace bug activity at the earliest stages, allowing for swift action with targeted foliar sprays if necessary.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Care: Regular monitoring throughout the season ensures timely intervention should any lace bug resurgence occur.expand_more Additionally, we provide expert advice on proper watering, pruning, and cultural practices to optimize your azaleas’ health and resistance to future infestations.

Remember: By partnering with Executive Tree Care, you can safeguard your azaleas from the devastation of azalea lace bugs and ensure they continue to thrive for years to come. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your Delaware County landscape from these tiny but destructive pests! CLICK HERE to Schedule your Free Estimate

Images in this article are owner by :

Mississippi State University Extension and The Missouri Botanical Garden