Rose Bush Insects

Small numbers of Japanese beetles can be removed by hand.

Roses are prone to infestation by a number of different insects. Most of these insects do not kill the plant, but they damage the blooms and diminish their beauty.

Aphids

Aphids are one of the most common insects found on roses. M. Hoffer from the Oregon State University Extension Service mentions that aphids do not spread rose diseases, but their clustering in large numbers causes aesthetic damage and weakens new leaves and buds.

Thrips

Thrips are minuscule brown insects that live and feed on the inside the rose blooms. They scratch and damage the petals with their mouthparts. According to the University of Illinois Extension, these insects are especially attracted to light-colored and yellow roses.

Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles cause damage to many different plants, including roses. M. F. Potter from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture indicates that these small shiny-green beetles feed in groups. They damage roses by feeding on petals and the soft parts of leaves between the veins, which gives the leaves a lace-like appearance.

References

• Oregon State University Extension Service: Controlling Diseases and Aphids on your Roses
• University of Illinois Extension: Disease and Insect Pests
• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Japanese Beetles in the Urban Landscape