Prevent Japanese Beetles, Other Insects and Mites from Damaging Your Azalea and Rhododendron
Quick Facts
- Azalea and rhododendron look like strong, healthy plants because of their thick blanket of blossoms that cover their entire shape each spring. But numerous types of insects and mites can hurt these plants, including the Japanese beetle.
- A very cold snap when blossoms begin on this mild-climate bush may damage the plant and make it less healthy and susceptible to many types of insect attacks.
- Bayer Advanced protects azalea and rhododendron with Bayer Advanced™ 12-Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Concentrate that kills pests and helps fertilize the plant. For insects, Bayer Advanced™ 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control Concentrate kills the insects and cures the plants, plus prevents disease.
Problem/Diagnosis
There are around 1,000 different species and varieties of azalea and rhododendron, making this plant type not only beautiful, but wildly varied in its trademark spring blossoms.
Japanese beetles and other insects target the flowers and leaves of azalea and rhododendron plants. Japanese beetles will chomp away at the tissue between the veins, a type of feeding called skeletonizing, but other pests feast on the plants, too.
A Few Other Pests That Feed on Azalea and Rhododendron
Azalea lace bug. When the adult bugs and immature adults feed, it causes a white webby pattern on the upper leaf surface. Varnish-like deposits of black excrement are left on the undersurface. Heavy infestations in full sun can lead to plant death.Mites. Mites such as azalea mite and Southern red mite feast on these plants. Barely visible, they live on the undersides of leaves and suck plant sap, making leaves change to a bronze or gray-green color.Red-headed azalea caterpillar. This moth larva is about 3/8 of an inch to two inches long and is red or brown in color with brown-black, white and yellow stripes. It eats the leaves and may defoliate much of an azalea before it’s detected.Azalea bark scale. These insects vary in how they look based on their age and sex. The adult female is dark red with a long, sucking mouth that is hidden from view by an egg sac’s threads on branches and twigs. Both adults and larvae suck plant sap
Solution
Stop Insects and Mites on Azalea and Rhododendron Before They Start
Bayer Advanced™ 12-Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate and Bayer Advanced™ 12-Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Concentrateprovide up to a year of protection against Japanese beetles and other pests that can literally destroy your expensive trees and shrubs if left unchecked. You can protect the entire tree without messy spraying. Just mix in a watering can and pour it around the base of the tree. The tree and the product work together to provide the protection. There’s no need to wait for a problem.
Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use saves you money by providing three products in one. It feeds and renews, protects against Japanese beetles and other damaging insects, and prevents major diseases such as Black Spot, Powdery mildew and rusts. Just mix in a watering can and pour it at the base of your rose bushes or other flowers to protect against destructive insects and disease for up to six weeks.
For Japanese beetles, other insects, mites or their damage you see on your plants:
Bayer Advanced™ protects against Japanese beetles and other destructive pests such as aphids, leafminers and whiteflies. It kills damaging insects on contact and provides systemic protection for up to 30 days.
Always read and follow label instructions.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Bayer Advanced