Lace Bugs

Description- Adult lace bugs are 1/8 to 1/4in(12mm-25mm) long and flattened. The wings and flattened areas behind the head are gauze-like or lace-like and make these insects appear rectangular and whitish or silvery. Nymphal stages lack fully developed wings and appear oval, marked with blackened areas and adorned with spines.

Life Cycle- Adult lace bugs become active in the spring when leaves appear on the host plant. Eggs are glued to the underside of leaves among the hair (pubescence). Nymphs hatching from eggs in a few days and develop through five stages (instars) before becoming adults. Development from egg to adult occurs in about 30 days depending on temperature and other environmental conditions. Three to five generations can be produced annually. Winter is spent as an adult in crevices of host plant bark.

Susceptible Plants- Most flowers, trees, and vegetable plants

Symptoms- Adults and nymph lace bugs suck juices from the undersides of the leaves All life stages occur together on the undersurface of leaves on sycamore, ash and hickory. The upper surface of infested foliage becomes marked with white to yellowish (chlorotic) and later brown (necrotic) speckles. The undersides of infested leaves become marked with black varnish-like excrement spots and cast skins of previous developmental stages often remain attached to infested leaves.

Lace bug damage to broad-leaved evergreens (azalea, laurel, pyracantha, rhododendron) will be evident for more than a year unless injured foliage is removed. These species overwinter as eggs inserted into leaf veins or cemented to the leaves. Hawthorn lace bug damage to pyracantha usually occurs in mid-July. By late August, most of the leaves may be yellowed (chlorotic) and non-functional.

Pesticide Control- Repeated treatments may be needed to control these pests effectively. Insecticides such as Safer Brand 3-in-1 Garden RTU Spray an OMRi listed product which is affective against a broad range of pests including lace bugs. Bioneem Insecticide ,Dursban, Malathion, Orthene,  and Sevin may be used depending on the species or cultivar. Always read product labels carefully before purchase. Look for information on phytotoxicity that can occur on sensitive plants or under some environmental conditions.

SucraShield Sugar-Based Insecticide / Miticide is a sugar-based insecticide/miticide that gives fast-acting control for hundreds of soft-bodied insects like aphids, caterpillars, glassy-winged sharp-shooters, mealy bugs, mites, soft scale, thrips and whitefly. The active ingredient, a sugar ester, attacks the target pests and causes rapid dehydration. SucraShield™ biodegrades into sugar and water in the environment. There is no documented resistance. OMRI LISTED!

Insecticidal Controls for Lacebugs

Safer Yard and Garden  $16.95	Hot Pepper Wax $14.50	Monterey 70% Neem Oil $14.95

  

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