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BUGS

 

Thrips

A general term for many species (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips tabaci). They attack a wide range of plants. Thrips feed on flowers, leaves and fruits of numerous crops like onions and vegetables.  Thrips cause slivering or scarring on leaves as well as distorted flowers.

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Treatment:

  • Thrips require integrated pest management: monitoring, sticky traps, biological control and insecticides.​

Spider Mites

Spider mites thrive in hot, dry weather. The first signs of infestation are fine silvery mottling on leaf surfaces and webbing underneath. These pests are tiny—only about 0.2 mm long—making them hard to spot.

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Treatment:

  • Use EcoOil, Kelthane, or Red Spider Spray.

  • General insecticides will not kill spider mites.

  • Spray three times at weekly intervals to eliminate all life stages.

Bonus: EcoOil also controls White Rose Scale.

Budworm

Budworm is a caterpillar that attacks roses and vegetable plants, especially sweet corn and tomatoes. Moths lay eggs at night on young foliage near flower buds. The caterpillars feed on leaves first, then burrow into buds, preventing flowers from opening properly.

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Treatment:

  • Spray with Dipel, Marvik, or Rose Shield.

  • Dispose of affected buds in a sealed bag and place in the garbage—do not compost, as caterpillars can survive in compost.

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Photo Credit - Shamil

Aphid Photo cropped (2).jpg

Interesting Fact:

Blue = aphid

Red = discarded skin after moulting

Green = dead aphid (a “mummy”) killed by a parasitoid wasp. The wasp injects an egg into the aphid, which hatches and feeds inside. The aphid swells, dies, and a new wasp emerges to continue the cycle.

 

Photo Credit Silkie Gardens Rose Farm

Aphids

Aphids are common and often hide under leaves. They reproduce rapidly—each one is born pregnant—leading to sudden population explosions.

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Treatment:

  • For long-lasting control, use a systemic spray such as Confidor.

  • For a chemical-free option:

    • Use EcoOil, or

    • Make your own spray:

      • Crush a whole garlic bulb and cover with vegetable oil.

      • Leave for 2 days, strain, then mix 1 ml per litre of water.

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Scale

Scale insects attack rose canes, causing stunted, unhealthy growth when numbers are high.

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Treatment:

  • Spray with white oil mixed with Malathion™ (follow manufacturer’s directions) immediately after pruning.

  • Alternatives: Pest Oil™ or EcoOil™.

  • Spray thoroughly all-around infested bushes.

  • You can still mulch even if scale is present.

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Rose Weevil Damage

Rose Weevils

Control by spraying with Dipel.

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processionary-caterpillars-featured Photo Credit lawn.com.au.jpg

Caterpillars

​Caterpillars can cause significant damage to roses by chewing on leaves, buds, and flowers. They often hide during the day and feed at night, leaving ragged holes and damaged blooms.

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Treatment:

  • Spray with Dipel (a biological control) or other suitable insecticides.

  • Inspect plants regularly and remove caterpillars by hand if possible.

  • Dispose of them in a sealed bag and place in the garbage—do not compost, as they can survive in compost.

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Photo Credit Lawn.com.au

Cutter Bees

Cutter bees are solitary bees that cut neat, semi-circular pieces from rose leaves to use in their nests. While this can make leaves look unsightly, it rarely harms the plant’s overall health.

 

Treatment:

  • No chemical control is recommended, as cutter bees are beneficial pollinators.

  • If damage is severe, consider using fine mesh netting to protect plants during peak activity.

  • Encourage biodiversity in your garden to balance pest and pollinator populations.

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Photo Credit Land for Wildlife

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