Lace Bug Control

Lace Bugs are serious pest of two of the most common plants in the landscape – Pieris and Rhododendrons. The infestation typically starts in late summer with yellowing of the older leaves. If left unattended, the yellowing will become more severe and finally the worst affected leaves will start to fall off. In some cases, the whole plant can turn brown and die.

Hot and dry weather conditions help this pest reproduction and spreading, and plants growing in poor soil conditions are most affected. Lace Bugs cause damage to plants by sucking the fluids from older leaves and young stems.

The most effective way to control lace bugs is with insecticidal soaps or mineral oils treatments to the plant’s foliage during the late summer months. Several treatments are needed to reduce their numbers to an acceptable injury level threshold.