UMass Extension Landscape Message May 31, 2013

"Winter Moth caterpillars have been ceasing to feed and dropping to the soil for pupation over the past week. In many areas of infestation in MA, this pest is now very close to being finished causing damage for this year.

Lacebugs on Shrubs will become active very soon. Common hosts include: Japanese Andromeda, Azalea, Rhododendron, others. These species over-winter as eggs embedded within leaf tissue on the foliage undersides. Inspect plants that exhibit feeding damage from last year in the form of yellow stippling on the upper leaf surface. Inspect affected leaves on the underside for active nymphs. Systemic imidacloprid can be effective and provide season-long control. Horticultural oil sprays can be targeted to the leaf undersides once the nymphs appear. Lacebugs will remain active into early autumn and are capable of causing severe damage. Drought tends to encourage lacebug activity."

Claire