Insecticides such as Insecticidal Soap, Summer Horticultural Oils, Dursban, Malathion, Orthene, Sevin may be used depending on the species or cultivar. Always read product labels carefully before purchase. Look for information on phytotoxicity that can occur on sensitive plants or under some environmental conditions. Regularly check for infestations so that a treatment can be applied before the plants are disfigured by lacebugs. Thorough treatment of the undersides of the leaves is needed for best results.
Mealybugs are relatives of the scale insects.
They have rather soft scales and soft bodies covered with a white powdery wax. Mealybugs damage plants by sucking sap and producing honeydew, which attracts ants and supports the growth of sooty mold fungi. Mealybugs occur on outdoor azaleas, blueberries, and other close relatives. Affected azaleas may appear unthrifty and yellow. Leaf and Flower Gall of Azalea Also known as pinkster gall, this disease can be conspicuous and unsightly on landscape and greenhouse plants under very humid conditions.