Lace bugs - Ask Extension
We seem to have a lace bugs problem on our chokecherry bushes. Last summer they were everywhere and skeletonized almost every leaf. I hoped the winter...
Knowledgebase
Lace bugs #865798
Asked April 24, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT
We seem to have a lace bugs problem on our chokecherry bushes. Last summer they were everywhere and skeletonized almost every leaf. I hoped the winter would take care of them but they're back and already numerous. Should I try to treat them? What is a family/pet/bee friendly option?
Pennington County South Dakota
Expert Response
UMN has a really good resource on this - https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/lace-bugs. Using a high pressure water spray is a low-risk way to remove the nymphs and reduce their adult population.
Lace bugs are not skeletonizers - they feed by sucking out sap from the leaves. The discoloration could weaken the leaf enough that you get some holes, but depending on when you are seeing the skeletonization you may want to watch out for other culprits later in the season.
