Rose pests and how to eliminate them

Rose bushes are lovely flowering plants, but they often fall prey to a wide variety of insects that feed on them. For this reason, when they are cultivated, we must try to give them the care they need, since although They cannot be completely protected by just taking care of them, but it does help a lot to reduce the risk of pests causing damage to them.

But, what are the pests of the rosebush? How do they affect these plants and what is the treatment that we must apply to eliminate them? Let’s see it below.

What are the pests of rose bushes?

The roses they can have several plagues throughout their life. Let’s get to know them thoroughly to know what damage they cause and how to eliminate them so that our plants recover as soon as possible:

Red spider (Tetranychus urticae)

The red spider, despite its name, is not an arachnid, but a mite. This must be very clear, because when choosing the treatment we will have to look for products that are effective against mites, not against spiders. But what is this insect like? Well: It has a very small body, less than 0,5 centimeters, reddish in color.

Has the ability to make spider websthanks to which you can go from one sheet to another effortlessly. Once it reaches its destination, it feeds on the sap, from the underside of it.

Damages and treatment

This pest greatly weakens the rosebush. It does not cause death, but it must be eliminated as soon as possible so that the plant can continue to grow and produce its magnificent flowers. Therefore, if we see red dots moving on the leaves, discolored spots and/or cobwebs, we have to treat it with a miticide, if possible ecologicallike this:

False rose caterpillar (arge rose)

There are many insects that, in their juvenile phase, are potential enemies of plants. One of them is the false caterpillar of the rosebush which, as its name suggests, affects our protagonists. At first glance it will give us the impression that it is a butterfly caterpillarbut actually it has nothing to do with it.

It is a hymenoptera, like ants or bees, which in its larval phase measures up to 2 centimeters long.. Its body is green at first, but as it matures it turns yellowish-green with black dots. And he has a voracious appetite.

Damages and treatment

We will see the damage in the leaves, which will appear nibbled. It is the first visible symptom, and the one that should alert us that something is happening. And it is that if we do nothing, the rosebush would be left without its foliage, so it could not weaken much.

Therefore, we have to apply an insecticide that eliminates the caterpillarsLike diatomaceous earth. To do this, first you have to wet the plant and then pour the product on both sides of the leaves. Here we leave you the video we made about this powerful natural insecticide:

And if you dare to try it, Click here to get it.

aphids (Macrosiphum)

Aphids are one of the most common pests. They are small insects about 0,5 centimeters long whose body is green, black or orange. They feed on plant sap, but to do so safely they often hide behind leaves and stems.although it is not uncommon to find them also in flower buds.

Like many of the insects, they love the heat, so it is during the summer when we can see them the most. Now, due to climate change and the increase in temperatures that this implies, it is worth keeping an eye out during spring as well; And even if you live in an area where the climate is warm, like the Mediterranean, you’ll need to keep an eye on your rose bushes from spring through fall.

Damages and treatment

This pest can cause serious damage. By feeding on the sap, the plants are weakened. What’s more, insects leave discolored spots on affected areasso the leaves have more difficulties to carry out photosynthesis.

Fortunately, it is not necessary to use chemical insecticides to eliminate them: often with some yellow sticky traps, and with a bit of cleaning (with cotton soaked in pharmacy alcohol) the plague is controlled very well.

Can a rosebush be prevented from having pests?

The truth is that no. Not 100%. Rose bushes are plants that have to be grown outdoors, and for that reason alone it is impossible to keep them protected from all pests. But there are things we can do so that, in case they are affected, they recover soon:

• water them regularly. As they do not resist drought, they should be watered 2-4 times a week in summer, and a little less the rest of the year.
• If they are planted in the ground and you water them with a hose, take the opportunity to pour water over them; this will drop any possible caterpillars they may have. Of course: do it at sunset, when the sun no longer gives them.
• Feed them while they growfrom spring to summer, with organic fertilizers, such as guano, manure or algae fertilizer. If they are in pots, we recommend using liquid products as they are more effective.
• If your rosebush needs a change of pot, do not use substrates that you have previously used for other plants; they can have pests, fungal spores, viruses and/or bacteria.
• Buy healthy rose bushes. Leave in the nursery those that have eaten leaves, with spots, or with flower buds full of aphids.

We hope that what we have told you here will be very useful to you.