Lace Bug

You may have noticed that the Lace Bug has been very active in our area the last several years and has negatively affected tree and plant health. The adults have highly ornamented wings and a hood-like structure covering the head. The entire surface is covered with veins that look like lace .The Lace Bug affects many broadleaf evergreens especially Andromeda, Rhododendron and Laurel.  Lace bugs are usually detected when their damage to the leaves of host plants becomes evident. The nymphs and adults live on the lower surface of leaves and suck juices through slender, piercing mouthparts. This produces yellow or whitish spots on the upper surface of the leaf. As the insects feed, they deposit a hard, varnish-like excrement onto the leaf surface. These are called tar spots or resin spots. The damage gives the leaf a mottled appearance and inhibits the plant’s ability to produce chlorophyll. Treatments with “systemic” insecticides work best. Plants that attract lace bugs should be monitored early in order to determine if an infestation is building. Elimination of the first generation of lace bugs is necessary if visual damage is to be avoided. If you suspect you have a Lace Bug infestation or if you would like to prevent one, contact a Tree Tech certified tree care specialist right away.

Tree Tech Inc. is a Massachusetts tree service company providing tree care & preservation, tree removal, pruning and insect control for trees & shrubs and a full range of certified arborist services throughout Massachusetts & Rhode Island.