Rose: Root weevils

categories: Flowers Ornamentals Rose Rose Insects

last review date: 2025-07-28 11:22

Biology

Several species of weevils feed on roses.

Adult weevils feed on the leaves, leaving small, ragged notches along the edges. They may also feed on the flowers.

They are wingless gray, brownish, or black beetles that feed at night.

The larvae live in the soil and feed on the roots.

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!

• Hand-pick night-feeding adults to reduce numbers.
• Application of beneficial nematodes which kill the larvae may be useful for controlling severe infestations. The nematodes are used as a soil drench in moist soils over 55 degrees F (mid-fall in western Washington).

Chemical Management

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

• Adult control should begin when adults emerge late May-June or when notching begins to occur on new leaves.

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.

• Garden Safe Fungicide 3 Concentrate - OMRI - [Organic]
  Active ingredient: clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil (EPA reg. 70051-2-39609)
• 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)