How to Keep Rose Bushes Insect-Free

Tea Roses

If you have roses that have been invaded by insects, there are a number of ways to get rid of these annoying garden pests. Some of the most common insects that attack rose bushes are aphids, spider mites and leafhoppers.Roses faced with an infestation should be tended to quickly. With some diligence, a once healthy rose bush can survive the attacks of insects. Take a minute to recognize and diagnose the infestation and you’ll discover with a little care and attention you can combat any insect invasion using the following methods.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Liquid soap
• Plastic spray bottle
• Gardening catalogs
• Bird feeder
• Bird seed
• Ladybugs
• Praying mantis
• Pruning shears
• Gardening tools

1. Establish a regular schedule for pest control. Take the time every two weeks to spray the plants with a soap and water solution. In a plastic spray bottle, mix about a tablespoon of liquid soap and tap water and spray roses with the solution.

2. Encourage insect-eating birds such as bluebirds, robins, orioles and wrens to visit your rose garden by hanging a bird feeder nearby. You can buy a bird feeder at a local home and garden supply store where prices range from as little as $7.99 up to $39.99. Fill the feeder with wild birdseed and hang it near the rose garden. Not only will the birds eat the bugs off the rose bushes but they are a delightful asset to any garden.

3. Purchase insect eating predators from gardening catalogs, the local garden center or go on-line to websites such as www.buglogical.com to order insects for the garden. Ladybugs and Praying mantis, the most popular garden predators, can help keep the population of aphids and other garden pests under control. Before they are released in the garden, insects should be stored in the refrigerator or in a cool place. When you are ready, thaw the package and release the insects in the garden. Let the food chain take its course.

4. Prune any diseased leaves and canes and discard cuttings away from rose beds. Destroy any leaves and canes that can still harbor garden pests and insects that are still feeding on the cuttings. Destroy cuttings by throwing them into a plastic bag and sealing it shut. Or, if possible, burn the cuttings.

5. Do a cleanup before your rose bushes go dormant for the season. You will have fewer insects if you thoroughly clean all debris from around the beds before the winter. Rake up any fallen leaves and dump them in the garbage away from the garden. Remove any old mulch and replace it with fresh mulch.