Lacebugs

Description:
As adults, lacebugs have transparent, lacy wings. They are tiny creatures, only 1/8" long, and are usually white or light brown. When moving along a plant, adult lacebugs will travel sideways, they rarely fly. Be careful not to confuse lacebugs with lacewings. Lacewings are beneficial insects; in the larval stage they are 1/2" long and eat aphids, thrips, mealybugs, mites, and many other harmful pests. Lacebugs are very tiny and very harmful, feeding on plant nutrients from the undersides of leaves.

Damage:
The damage caused by lacebugs is similar to that of spider mites and greenhouse thrips. The leaves are speckled, discolored, and/or distorted. You can rule out spider mites if there is no webbing present. Greenhouse thrips are a bit more difficult to decipher. Fortunately, the same insecticides are approved to treat both thrips and lacebugs.

Prevention:

Management:
Mild Infestations:

Sever Infestations: Always follow label directions.