How to Identify Boring Insects on Your Rose Bush

Avid rose gardeners know the perils that can befall the objects of their affection. Among the dangers are boring insects. If you suspect boring insects are damaging your roses, follow this procedure to confirm or deny your suspicion.

Instructions

1. The most common insect found on roses is the aphid. Aphids are very small and have soft bodies. If you have an aphid problem, you will likely see them appear in October. You will notice that young leaves on your rose bushes curl and contain a sticky substance.

2. Japanese beetles are another insect enemy of the rose bush. They eat leaves, so you will notice holes in the rose bush's leaves. Look for 3/8 inch beetles that that have hard, shiny brown wing covers. You may also notice the five white tufts that come out from under those wing covers. You will start to notice an infestation of Japanese beetles in late May or early June.

3. Thrips are yet another insect to be on the lookout for in your rose garden, and are characterized by a 1mm, thin body. They also have fringed wings. You will notice thrip activity when you see that an insect has pierced a leaf.

4. White flies are very small insects that are snow white. If you were to look at them under a microscope, you would see that they looked like moths. However, to the naked eye, they look like little white specks. If you have an infestation of whiteflies, you will notice a yellowing of the rose bush. In addition, the rose bush will have a mottled look. Another clue that an infestation of whiteflies exist is a black fungus on the rose bush's leaves.