In my experience, lace bug feeding is not a serious threat to plant health or survival. However, it is important to examine the lower leaf surface to identify the type of pest causing the damage.
When inspecting the lower leaf surface, I recommend using a magnifying lens if necessary. This can help you get a closer look at any pests that may be present. Lace bugs are typically small, around 1/8 inch long, and have a lace-like pattern on their wings, hence their name.
Prolonged high populations of lace bugs may cause some damage to plants. They feed by piercing the leaf tissue and sucking out the sap, which can lead to stippling or small white dots on the leaves. This feeding can also cause discoloration or yellowing of the leaves. In severe cases, lace bug feeding may result in premature drop of some leaves.
However, it’s important to note that lace bug feeding alone is unlikely to cause significant harm to the overall health or survival of the plant. Most plants can tolerate some level of lace bug feeding without serious consequences. The reduction in plant growth rate, if any, is usually modest and not a cause for major concern.
In my garden, I have encountered lace bugs on various plants, including azaleas and rhododendrons. While I initially worried about the damage they were causing, I soon realized that the plants were able to bounce back and continue to thrive despite the presence of lace bugs.
To manage lace bugs, I suggest implementing cultural practices such as regular watering, proper fertilization, and maintaining overall plant health. This can help the plants withstand lace bug feeding and limit any negative impacts. If necessary, you can also consider using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control lace bug populations.
While lace bug feeding may cause some cosmetic damage to plants, it is not a major threat to their health or survival. By monitoring and implementing appropriate management strategies, such as maintaining plant health and using targeted insecticides if needed, you can effectively manage lace bug populations and minimize any potential harm.