The rose midge is a tiny yellow-brown or reddish fly that lays its eggs in newly developing bud and shoot tips. The hatching maggots feed on the growing tips. New buds and shoots are deformed and killed and the dead tissues turn brown or black. Abnormal flower development from damaged buds may also be seen.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Prune and destroy infested tips.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

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

Cut out and destroy infested tips. Repeat at 10-day intervals for as long as needed.

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

Bayer Advanced Vegetable & Garden Insect Spray RTS
Active ingredient: cyfluthrin | EPA reg no: 72155-39
This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Images

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Caption: Rose midge damage Photo by: A.L. Antonelli

WSU Extension

Hortsense