Azalea Lace Bugs

• Lace bugs are difficult to spot because their dappled wings blend in with the color and design of the azalea leaves, and they are only 1/8 inch long. Their dappled wings are sculptured and lacy in appearance, coupled with the dark markings on the insect's wings and back, make spotting them very difficult, especially since the bugs reside on the underside of the azalea leaf. The young lace bugs are colorless before turning black as time goes on. Both adult and young bugs destructive to the azalea, because they suck the sap from the underside of the leaf. The feeding damage causes leaves to become speckled, turn gray and drop, making the azalea susceptible to dieback diseases. The female bugs lay eggs into the leaf tissue and then seal the eggs with a dark splotch of waxy material, which is visible to the naked eye. Control the azalea bugs by planting disease resistant varieties such as "Dawn," "Pink Star" and "Cavalier." While lace bugs have several natural enemies that feed on them, chemical controls are necessary when infestation becomes too severe. Insecticidal soaps control young bugs when the leaf is completely cleaned. Adult lace bugs require insecticides such as jalathion 5EC, cararyl and imidacloprid. Spray the first generation as soon as they appear in March through May and the second generation in July or August. It may be necessary to spray them again in September or October.
  
  

Spider Mites

• Spider mites are closely related to spiders rather than to insects. They are barely visible without the use of magnification. They are generally locates on the undersides of leaves, unless the infestation is so heavy that the spider mites also feed on the upper side of the azalea leaf. The leaves change from green to dull green with a gray or bronze cast when the shrub is heavily infested. Depending on geographical location, temperature and type of mite, the spider mite develops at all times of the year. Spider mites can be detected by wiping the undersides of the leaf with white paper. If red steaks show on the paper, then spider mites are present. Control of spider mites by natural enemies such as ladybird beetles, thrips and predaceous mites generally keeps the pests under control. Chemicals usually kill off the spider mite enemies as well as the mite. Treat low populations of spider mites with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, according to label directions.
  
  

Scales

• The most common scale to attack azaleas is the azalea bark scale. The female is recognizable by its dark scale and long sucking mouth-part. Females are generally found in the forks of branches and on twigs. Nymphs move for only a short time before they become immobile and begin feeding. Control of a light infestation of scale is accomplished by scraping the pests off the plant and throwing them away. Spray the leaves with a full coating of insecticidal spray or treat with horticultural oil.
  
  

Red-Headed Azalea Caterpillar

• The larva of a moth, the red-headed azalea caterpillar is approximately 3/8 inch long and reddish to brownish-black with white and yellow stripes. When fully grown the caterpillar is 2 inches in length, black with a red head and legs with white lines running along the body. Since red-headed caterpillars feed in groups, they can defoliate an azalea plant very quickly and need to be dealt with as soon as they are detected. When detected, the caterpillars are easily removed by hand. Treat with insecticides such as carbaryl and cyflurhrin, according to label instructions, at the first sign of infestation.