Pest: Lace bugs (Family Tingidae).

Discussion: Lace bugs are easily overlooked pests that feed on the undersides of shrub and shade tree leaves. They are named for their wings, which look crocheted. Several species can be found in the Mid-Atlantic area including the Azalea Lace Bug, Rhododendron Lace Bug, Sycamore Lace Bug, Hawthorn Lace Bug, and many others. Begin examining plants for lacewings and black fecal deposits in late April. Lace bug infestation may cause yellow spots to appear on leaves, and severe outbreaks can kill small shrubs.

Pesticides Commonly Applied: Acephate (Orthene), Carbaryl (Sevin), Malathion.

Alternative Pesticides: Superior Oil or Pyrethrin.

Biological and physical control:. Avoid planting Azaleas, Pyrocantha, Rhododendron and other host plants in direct sunlight. Plants under water stress conditions are most susceptible to damage and should be monitored closely. Ladybird Beetles and lacewings are effective biological controls.

Bird Facts: Acephate may build up in fruits of plants that incorporate the pesticide in their tissues, posing a potential threat to birds feeding on berries (such as Pyrocantha berries).

Ants | Aphids | Chinch Bugs | Gypsy Moths | Lace Bugs | Mice/Rats | Mosquitoes | White Grubs