Rose leafhoppers are small, active, whitish-green insects which hop when disturbed. The nymphs (immature) are white with red eyes. Rose leafhoppers feed on the leaves, causing white or pale blotches that resemble, but are larger than, spider mite stippling. Cast skins can be found on the underside of leaves. The adults lay eggs in the bark, causing small dark spots on the canes. The emerging nymphs cause wounds to the bark which may provide a site for fungal infections. Leafhoppers are rarely a serious concern.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Several natural predators feed on leafhoppers, including damsel bugs and assassin bugs. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which may kill these predators.
Leafhopper damage is mainly aesthetic. Tolerate it, if possible.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Apply when leafhoppers and nymphs are noticed. Avoid using Sevin (carbaryl) if there is any possibility of pesticide drifting onto nearby blooming plants. These products are toxic to bees.

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

Bonide Eight Insect Control Garden & Home R-T-U
Active ingredient: permethrin | EPA reg no: 4-406
GardenTech Sevin Conc Bug Killer
Active ingredient: carbaryl | EPA reg no: 264-334-71004
This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Images

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Caption: Rose leafhopper damage Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Caption: Rose leafhopper Photo by: Unknown

WSU Extension

Hortsense