Azalea Lace Bug

Azalea Lace Bugs can be a nuisance for homeowners in Louisiana, particularly during late summer to early fall. These bugs infest the plant by attaching themselves to the leaves. If they are not controlled early, they can cause widespread damage by literally sucking the life out of your plants.

What are Azalea Lace Bugs?
By its name, you can tell the Azalea lace bug is attracted to the bright, beautiful Azalea landscape plant. Azalea lace bugs are tiny insects that infest this plant. The adult bugs have lace-like wings while the nymph, or baby bugs, look like tiny dark spots. They may also attack shrubs or other flowering plants.

How to spot Azalea Lace Bug damage
Azalea lace bug infestation can be easy to spot if you know what to look for. The bugs most often attach themselves to the underside of leaves. Unhealthy or weak plants are more vulnerable to lace bugs. To spot lace bug damage look for:

• A yellow or white, silvery substance on the leaves
• Rust color or sticky black substance
• Drying, browning, or curling of leaves
• Leaves falling off prematurely

How to get rid of Azalea Lace Bugs
Non-chemical treatments: You can use organic sprays to wash the bugs off the leaves. Spray solutions can be made with dishwashing liquid, soap, and oil, crushed garlic, Epsom salt, tobacco leaves, hot peppers, and oil, or grated lemon rind.

Chemical treatments: Organic treatments can effectively remove the bugs from plants but may not prevent re-infestation. Chemical treatments can be used to destroy the tiny pest and prevent them from coming back.

Carbaryl (Sevin), Malathion, Imidacloprid, and Pyrethroids (e.g., Monterey Bug Buster) are popular chemicals used. However, care must be taken to avoid damaging the plants or destroying beneficial insects such as Lacewings and Ladybugs.

Getting professional pest control help

In cases of bad infestation and to avoid harming your plants or killing helpful insects, you should hire a pest control company to treat and control Azela lace bugs.

Bayou Cajun Termite and Pest Control have protected plants in South Louisiana for many years. A pest control specialist will examine your plants before deciding on an effective way to get rid of the bugs. Call 225-261-4198 to set up an appointment today.