How to Keep Aphids Off My Roses

Many rose-growing enthusiasts are familiar with dense populations of aphids that can cover a rose bush and cause enormous damage. Aphids are small pear-shaped insects that can appear green, brown, yellow or black. Featuring a long and slender mouth, aphids pierce the leaves and stems of roses and suck out the juices of the plant for food. Controlling aphids can be accomplished with pesticides, however, an equally effective homemade method of control can be made that will not harm the rose, keep aphids away and not harm other insects that feed on aphids.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic container
• Dish detergent
• Water
• Spoon
• Hand sparyer

Instructions

1. Pour in 1 oz. of liquid dish detergent into a large plastic container that can hold more than 1 gallon of water.

2. Add 1 gallon of water to the dish detergent in the container. Pour in one-quarter of the water and stir the detergent and water with a spoon to thoroughly mix. Pour the remaining water in slowly to minimize foaming.

3. Pour the desired amount of soapy solution into a hand sprayer.

4. Spray the soapy solution onto the leaves of the rose bush, coating evenly. Spray any aphids on the bush heavily with the soapy solution to drive them away. Re-apply the soapy solution periodically to discourage the aphids from returning.

References

• Todays Modern Woman: What Are Some Natural Ways to Keep Pests Off Roses?
• University of California Integrated Pest Management: Aphid Management