A few common insect and related pests of azaleas and rhododendrons in South Carolina are lace bugs, mites, and scale. The immature forms called nymphs are colorless at first but turn black. Both adults and nymphs suck plant sap from the leaf s underside.
Leaves develop pale colored speckling on their upper surfaces, giving leaves a grayish cast.
Black shiny bits of insect waste and cast off skins from immature forms can be found on the undersides of leaves. Control of this pest on azalea begins with the planting of resistant varieties. Insecticides are available. Good control of the first generation will greatly reduce problems later in the season. Mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders.