  |
||||||
|
|
The insects range throughout Eastern United States from connecticut to Florida and west to Missouri.
In cooler areas, eggs overwinter on leaves. You will find fecal matter on the leaves and the eggs hide underneath until hatching time in May in Atlantic states. In the south, they hatch earlier in April and sometimes March. In the north, they hatch later on in June. The emerging nymphs shed their skin five times before finally becoming adults. This stage takes about two weeks or so. There are usually four generations per year overlapping in summer. Females live several weeks and can lay hundreds of eggs. They attack only azaleas and asian evergreen types. Symptoms include tiny white stipple marks from adults and nymphs nibbling on the underside of leaves. In severe infestations, leaves become almost white and drop off. Little black spots on the undersides of leaves are the fecal matter previously mentioned. heavy infestation may result in premature leaf drop and less colorful flowers the following year. The only predator available to fight the lace bug is the Stethoconus japonicus, a plant bug from Japan. This predator arrived in the US in 1985. The adult and nymph of this predator feed on the lace bug. Both the lace bug and it's predator were imported accidentally. If the predator is not present, spray the undersides of leaves with organic soap solution spray or make your own concoction at home using an eight of a teaspoon of dish liquid (preferably a gentle brand and not antibacterial or grease controlling. They burn plants.) to a quart of water. Shake it vigorously in a spray bottle and spray the leaves one by one if you have to. Be aware that store bought insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can be hazardous if they are not organic types. You can also try adding 3/4 water and 1/4 rubbing alcohol OR 1 tablespoon of brown listerine as a preventive measure.
Go To Page: 1 |
|||||
|
|
||||||
