Why Are My Azalea Plants–leaves & Flowers–sticky?

Question

My Azalea plants are sticky–why?

Answer 1

Scale and other insects insert their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the plant and feed on the juices. The insects then excrete a sticky, sweet liquid called "honeydew" which can promote the growth of black sooty mold fungus on contaminated surfaces. Honeydew, sooty mold and leaf yellowing with dieback are signs associated with infestation by these insects. Beneficial insects often control this problem. Light pruning or dormant oil may be used to suppress over-wintering nymphs on twigs. Dormant oils and insecticidal soap may be used to control crawlers that emerge from eggs.