Lace Bug: All You Need to Know for Healthy, Happy Plants

Lace bugs are small, inconspicuous insects that feed on plants, potentially causing damage to trees and shrubs. These pests can be found on various plant species, with some common types including the azalea lace bug, andromeda lace bug, and rhododendron lace bug, as well as those that attack shade trees such as sycamore, hawthorn, elm, walnut, oak, willow, poplar, birch, and basswood trees source.

To protect your garden from lace bugs, you should start checking for them in late spring or early summer source. Examine susceptible plants about once every two weeks, paying close attention to any that have had previous infestations. By staying vigilant and implementing effective preventative measures, you can minimize the damage caused by lace bugs and maintain a healthy garden environment.

Lace Bug Basics

Appearance and Biology

Lace bugs are small insects belonging to the family Tingidae within the order Hemiptera, making them a type of true bug. Their most distinctive feature is their transparent, lace-like wings, which are adorned with intricate patterns and often have spines along the edges. Here’s an overview of their characteristics:

• Adults typically measure between 2-5 mm in length
• Wings are held flat over the body, creating a rectangular shape
• Nymphs are smaller, wingless, and covered in spines

Lace bug biology involves a life cycle that includes eggs, nymphs, and adults. Female lace bugs lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves, where they spend the winter. By early spring, eggs hatch and nymphs emerge to start feeding on the host plant.

Common Species

There are several species of lace bugs that are commonly found on various plants. Two examples include the azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides) and the hawthorn lace bug (Corythauma ayyari). These species are known for causing damage to their host plants by feeding on the leaves, leading to discolored, stippled foliage.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between these two common species:

Both azalea lace bugs and hawthorn lace bugs share similar lifecycle stages and cause similar types of damage to their respective host plants. However, the specific plants they target and their physical differences help distinguish them from one another.

Plant Damage and Infestation

Plants at Risk

Lace bugs are known to feed on the undersides of leaves in a variety of plants, including deciduous trees and shrubs. Some common host plants for lace bugs are:

• Hackberry
• Sycamore
• Oak
• Azalea
• Hawthorn
• Rhododendron

Signs of Infestation

Lace bugs use their needle-like mouthparts to suck sap from the foliage of their host plant. This feeding can cause:

• Yellow or white discoloration of leaves
• Stippling pattern on the leaf surface
• Premature leaf drop

In severe infestations, the overall health and vigor of the plant may be affected.

Preventing Premature Leaf Drop

To prevent premature leaf drop and maintain plant health, consider the following methods:

1. Proper Cultural Care: Providing the right growing conditions allows host plants to be more resistant to lace bug infestations.
2. Natural Predators: Encourage the presence of lace bug predators, such as ladybugs and spiders, to help control their population.
3. Inspection: Regularly check the undersides of leaves for signs of lace bug presence, and take action if necessary. This may include the use of pesticides or other control methods.

Please keep in mind that tolerating some lace bug damage is often more beneficial than resorting to extreme measures, as it can prevent the imbalance of natural predators and the environment.

Life Cycle and Seasons

Spring and Summer Behavior

Lace bugs have a distinct life cycle that spans over multiple generations each year. In spring and summer, females lay tiny, oblong eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as azaleas or avocado trees ¹. The eggs hatch into small, wingless nymphs that feed on the leaves and develop through several instars before reaching adulthood ². During these seasons, lace bug populations can increase rapidly, causing significant damage to their host plants ³.

Some common traits found in lace bugs during spring and summer:

• Female lace bugs lay eggs on leaves
• Nymphs are wingless and feed on leaves
• Multiple generations can occur in a single season

Winter Survival

In North America, lace bugs usually overwinter in the egg stage, which ensures their survival during the colder months ⁴. By spring, the eggs will hatch, and the new generation of lace bugs will begin feeding on their host plants’ foliage, continuing their life cycle ⁵.

Below is a comparison table for lace bug behavior in spring-summer and winter seasons:

Natural Predators and Control

Beneficial Insects

There are several beneficial insects that act as natural predators for lace bugs. Some of the key predators include:

• Assassin bugs
• Lacewings
• Ladybugs
• Spiders
• Pirate bugs
• Jumping spiders

These predators feed on lace bug eggs, nymphs, and adults, helping to limit their population in gardens. In addition to these insects, other natural enemies such as green lacewing larvae and mites can also help control lace bug populations.

Introducing Predators to Your Garden

To attract and maintain beneficial insects in your garden, it’s essential to create a suitable habitat. Some ways to do this include:

• Growing a variety of flowering plant species
• Providing partial shade for shrubs that are not adapted to full sun

By providing a diverse and suitable habitat, you can increase the abundance of natural predators in your garden to help control lace bug populations. When using chemical control methods, choose nonpersistent, contact insecticides to minimize adverse effects on beneficial predators and parasites.

Remember, while attracting these natural predators can help control lace bug populations, no single method can guarantee complete eradication. Combining various control methods with a healthy garden environment will yield the best results.

Lace Bug Management

Cultural Practices

Proper care for plants is the first line of defense against lace bug damage¹. Some practices include:

• Providing ample shade for plants sensitive to full sun
• Ensuring good soil drainage and aeration
• Planting in ideal conditions to encourage healthy growth

Additionally, regularly inspecting plants for early signs of infestation can help prevent severe damage.

Organic Treatments

Beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, can help control lace bug populations². Encourage these natural predators by:

• Planting flowers that attract them
• Avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects

Insecticidal soap is another organic option for treating lace bug infestations. Apply it during the growing season, targeting the undersides of leaves, where lace bugs feed³. Use a garden hose with a water spray nozzle to dislodge lace bugs from leaves as a mechanical method.

Chemical Control

When organic methods are insufficient or infestations are severe, chemical control may be necessary⁴. Some chemical options include:

• Horticultural oils, which can be applied to bark crevices where lace bugs overwinter
• Insecticides, like cyfluthrin or permethrin

Keep in mind that these chemicals can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. Apply them carefully and, if possible, during times when bees are less active⁵. Here’s a comparison table of the treatments discussed: