Hello all,
I am new to the forum but require your assistance. I have a satsuki azalea that appears to possess some type of leaf pest. I have searched the internet but I am having difficulty in finding an exact match. Perhaps someone here can help me identify it and explain how to get rid of it. Thank you in advance.
[img]https://I.imgur.com/VuEBp.jpg[/img]
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It looks like scale to me. Scale insects come in several sizes shapes and forms. Do the spots (on close inspection) appear as tiny lumps? If so use a toothpick to 'lift' off a few. Squish with your fingernail. Do they ooze a bit of 'juice'? If they do you have scale on your azalea. Scale is a sucking insect that clings, mostly to the underside of leaves, usually along the central vein, and on new tissue stems, but can also hide on brown bark - almost invisibly.
Treatment is often accomplished wit insecticidal soap sprays - repeatedly to get the elusive stragglers and eggs. A dampened Q-tip, dipped into the soapy solution, helps to wipe off some of the critters. But it is tough to get rid of all of them.
Good luck!
Treatment is often accomplished wit insecticidal soap sprays - repeatedly to get the elusive stragglers and eggs. A dampened Q-tip, dipped into the soapy solution, helps to wipe off some of the critters. But it is tough to get rid of all of them.
Good luck!