Question: My pyracanthas have turned tan. I see no insects, but lots of black specks on the backs of the leaves. What can I use?

Answer: That’s lace bug damage, and pyracanthas are their favorite host. You’ll rarely see the adult insects, but you will see the excrement that you mentioned. Lacebugs won’t kill the plants, but they do make them unsightly. Once you spray and control them with a general-purpose insecticide you may see some bright green new growth before the season is over. Watch for early signs of them the next year, so you won’t get the two-toned effect.