Leaves are small and the plants fail to make normal growth.
Use caution when planting to be sure that planting stock is not infested. If yard soil is contaminated, plant shrub in a large container of sterilized soil. This is probably the most serious problem experienced by althea. Use sprays of Sevin, rotenone, acephate or malathion. The insects can also be dislodged with high pressure water sprays from the garden hose.