Rose slugs are small yellow-green larvae (about 1/4" long) that skeletonize the upper leaf surface. Signs of feeding include dry brown blotches, where all of the leaf except the veins and the lowest layer of leaf tissue are removed. Rose slugs are not true slugs, but are actually the larvae of a sawfly. They rarely occur in large numbers but can do considerable aesthetic damage.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Hand-pick and destroy individual rose slugs.
Wash rose slugs off foliage with a strong stream of water.

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 first noticed. These products are toxic to bees. Sevin (carbaryl) is particularly dangerous to bees. Avoid using carbaryl if there is any possibility of pesticide drifting onto nearby blooming plants.

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

Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew R-T-U [Organic]
Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D) | EPA reg no: 4-472
GardenTech Sevin Conc Bug Killer
Active ingredient: carbaryl | EPA reg no: 264-334-71004
Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide & Repellent Conc [Organic]
Active ingredient: azadirachtin | EPA reg no: 70051-6-42697
This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Images

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Caption: Rose slug and damage Photo by: A.L. Antonelli

WSU Extension

Hortsense