The Hawthorn Lace Bug Is Here

The hawthorn lace bug is already on the move and causing damage. Just recently, we caught several munching on a serviceberry at our very own corporate headquarters. With the insect already causing damage, this would be a good time to talk more about it and how to treat for it.

The hawthorn lace bug produces 1-3 generations per year and overwinters as an adult in the crevices of trees. The adult insect appears to have a lace-like appearance to its wings.

Lace bug damage is caused when the insect feeds on leaves and sucks fluid from the plant (Center for Integrated Pest Management, North Carolina State University). The feeding causes yellow dots to form on the tops of leaves (Ohio State University Extension). Heavy feedings can produce completely yellowed leaves and cause premature leaf drop (Ohio State University Extension). The underneath surface of the leaves may have dark spots of excrement on them (Ohio State University Extension).

To treat for hawthorn lace bug infestations complete a Safari drench. This should take care of the insects for the rest of the season.