Hi and thanks for your question about the tiny white bugs on your rhododendron. Unfortunately, your pictures do not enlarge well enough for me to accurately identify them, but the treatment is the same for many of the aphids, whiteflies and lace bugs that attack rhododendrons.

During the heat of the day, take a hose with as strong a pressure as you can get from your nozzle and spray the leaves, top and bottom. This should knock the little guys off, and they will have trouble re-establishing with the heat.

Make sure you are watering your plant regularly during this weather too, as rhodies have rather shallow roots and the soil is drying out. A stressed plant is an invitation to many bugs who take advantage of the weakened state and attack.

And next spring, when the plant is getting ready to bloom, give it a little fertilizer (not more than the package recommends!) that is made especially for rhododendrons and azaleas. Don't do it now, as a stressed plant doesn't need any extra growth stimulants while it is fighting off pests.

Have fun with the water on this hot day!