Strange black flies on my rhododendron. - Ask Extension
I have some strange black flies on my rhododendron, and I don’t know if they are a problem or not. We recently spread some sand in that area from a ...
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Strange black flies on my rhododendron. #868878
Asked May 17, 2024, 12:22 PM EDT
I have some strange black flies on my rhododendron, and I don’t know if they are a problem or not. We recently spread some sand in that area from a construction project.
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
I am unable to ID this insect from your picture. How many of these insects do you find on your rhododendron? Do you see any damage to the leaves, i.e., holes chewed, leaves shredded, circular notches on the leaf edges? Do you find any insect frass left behind, any webbing, etc.?
Your rhodie looks healthy, happy and ready to burst into bloom. Unless you are seeing damage to the leaves or blooms, i.e., holes chewed, frass left behind, sticky substances or other types of issues on your plant, you likely have nothing to worry about.
If your rhododendron becomes heavily infested with these insects or you begin to see damage to the plant, please contact us again.
Your rhodie looks healthy, happy and ready to burst into bloom. Unless you are seeing damage to the leaves or blooms, i.e., holes chewed, frass left behind, sticky substances or other types of issues on your plant, you likely have nothing to worry about.
If your rhododendron becomes heavily infested with these insects or you begin to see damage to the plant, please contact us again.
