How do I keep aphids off my roses?

Every year aphids like to come, and visit our roses and plants and it doesn’t take long for them to infest, eat, and attack our garden. So, if you see your roses with circle chunks eaten off your leaves, or grayish mold spots on the leaves, this means yes you do have aphids. In this article we will discuss a natural, but effective method of getting rid of those pesky aphids.

There are two kinds of aphids; Macrosiphium Rosae (Rose aphids) or Macrosiphium Euphorbiae (Potato aphids.) Both attack roses, many other flowers and plants as well. If you want to keep your roses looking beautiful you will have to control these little hungry monsters.

What are aphids and what harm do they do?

Aphids are tiny green or pink pear-shaped insects. These insects feed on the juice of the plants and can quickly reproduce which will then lead to an infestation. Have you noticed bleaching spots or a greyish spot on the leaves of your roses? Well, what that is a virus the aphids leave behind known as “Rose Mosiac Virus.”

Aphids can start to appear in early spring and summer months. Some early noticeable signs of rose aphid infestation are:

Curled leaves, sticky leaves and or disfigured rose buds and flowers.

What methods can you use to control aphids?

Manual Control:

Many times, the aphids can be found underside of leaves and new leaf growth on a rose. You can control them naturally by using a strong jet water spray using your water nozzle on your hose. This will knock them off and other insects will eat them.

The best time to do this is on a sunny morning, because mold spores are released during the evening and night. Roses are more vulnerable to picking them up which will cause mold to grow on the leaves.

Natural Predators by Natural Means:

If you do not want to use chemicals, you can always refer to nature’s insects. Ladybugs, assassin bugs, lace wigs and pirate bugs are all insects that will eat your rose aphids. Many times, these predator insects will help protect not only your roses but your garden as well. I will focus on ladybugs because they are easier to find at your local garden store, hardware store or a nursery. (Ex: Lowe’s and Home Depot.)

Ladybugs and when should you release them:

1. You should pick an evening when you know it’s not windy and not going to rain.
2. Lightly shower the area (roses) and foliage in the immediate area because the ladybugs are going to want something to drink water before they start attacking the aphids. Always make sure they have water available to them throughout your yard.
3. When releasing them you will need to open the container and shake them on the roses starting from the bottom working your way upward on the leaves. They may seem like they are not active but be patient and let them wake up. Because they where in the container they where somewhat in a hibernation state.

(NOTE: You may have to reapply them twice, two weeks apart.)

Insecticidal Soaps or Oils

           You can use Insecticidal Soap, Neem Oil or Horticultural Oil to control your aphid infestation on your roses and garden. You can find these products at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Nursery or even at the grocery store.

IF YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO USE THIS METHOD:

********IMPORTANT********

YOU MUST FOLLOW THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED ON THE PACKAGING OF ANY INSECTICIDAL SOAPS OR OILS LISTED ABOVE OR ANY OF YOUR CHOICE.