Rose: Rose aphids

categories: Flowers Ornamentals Rose Rose Insects

last review date: 2025-07-28 11:23

Biology

Rose aphids are small, soft, pinkish or green insects found on the succulent new growth, including buds and stems.

White cast skins can also be present.

Heavy aphid feeding can reduce the quantity and quality of the flowers produced.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill natural predators and parasites of aphids (including ladybird beetles and larvae, green lacewings and larvae, and parasitic wasps).
• Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water.
• Avoid overfertilization, as high nitrogen levels in the plant encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen formula.

Chemical Management

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

• Apply oils in delayed dormant period to kill overwintering eggs.
• Apply one of the following when adult aphids are first observed.
• Thorough coverage of the foliage is important, including upper and lower leaf surfaces.

Approved Pesticides

Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.

• Hi-Yield Dormant Spray
  Active ingredient: Paraffinc oil (EPA reg. 7401-428)
• Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin (EPA reg. 70051-6-42697)
• Safer Brand Garden Defense Multi-Purpose Spray Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil (EPA reg. 70051-2-42697)
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid (EPA reg. 42697-60)