This news item expired on Monday, June 30, 2014 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Azalea lace bugs (Stephanitis pyrioides) are one of the most damaging pests of evergreen azaleas. They overwinter as eggs in azalea leaves and begin hatching in spring.
There are two reasons why it’s best to control them early in the season. First, young nymphs are present and are easier to kill than adults. If you kill nymphs before they mature and lay eggs you have a better chance of clearing up the infestation. Second, the longer azalea lace bugs are on
your plant the more damage they do. On evergreen azaleas this damage
sticks around for a long time so plants may be permanently damaged.
So scout your azaleas and get those lace bugs cleared up before damage
occurs.
For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.