What are the methods for controlling pests on azaleas?
1. Red spider mites
Red spider mites on azaleas mainly occur on the underside of the leaves; when the infestation is relatively large, they are also distributed on the underside of the leaves and the tender shoots. After red spider mites appear, the leaves develop fine, scattered spots of alternating yellow and green.
Control methods: Create a well-ventilated environment so that the azaleas grow vigorously and their resistance to red spider mites increases. If the infestation is relatively large, the heavily infested areas can be cut off to reduce their population; if the infested branch tips are numerous and dense, insecticides of the nicotine-based biological source type such as abamectin can be sprayed.
2. Azalea lace bugs
Azalea lace bugs mainly occur on the underside of the leaves. When they appear, some black spots and small insects about 2-3 mm in body length with transparent wings can be seen on the underside of the leaves, and spots of alternating yellow and green also appear on the upper surface of the leaves, but the spots are finer than those that appear when red spider mites occur. When they appear, they spread from the leaf veins toward the leaf margins, and the infestation in the center of the leaf is noticeably greater than at the margins.
Control methods: If there are relatively few pests, the diseased leaves can be picked off and burned to prevent reinfection; if the infestation is relatively large, imidacloprid can be used for control.
3. Aphids
Aphids mainly occur on the underside of the leaves and on the tender shoot areas, where some small greenish-white insects appear, some winged and some wingless, usually clustered together.
Control methods: When the infestation is small, they can be taken to a tap and washed off; or some yellow sticky traps can be hung around the azaleas; tobacco-soaked water can also be used for control. If the infestation is relatively large, imidacloprid can be sprayed. After one application, a second application should be made 3-7 days later to kill the larvae that have not hatched from the eggs.