I have tiny red and black insects flying around my rhododendron and azaleas. This happens only in the evening.

Question

One of these bit me! Now I’m concerned that these might be the so called kissing bugs. They are only about 3 mm in size. I live in East TN near Knoxville. We had too much rain in early spring, now we are in a drought.

Answer 1

That sounds like a good question for your local extension agent. Chances are that others in your area are seeing this same pest, too.

Here is a link to their publications and contacts:
http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx
http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/coopext_dir.aspx

And one of ours:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm