Rose: Leafrollers

Biology

Several different caterpillars roll leaves on roses. Among these are the obliquebanded leafroller, which is green with a dark head, and the orange tortrix, which is tan to greenish with a tan head. Leafrollers are often found near the tips of shoots. They feed inside the rolled leaves, which are held in place with webbing.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Pinch rolled leaves, killing larvae inside.
• Encourage natural predators such as birds and predaceous beetles, which help control caterpillar populations.

Chemical Management

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

• Apply before the leaves are rolled.
• Avoid Sevin (carbaryl) if there is any possibility of pesticide drifting onto nearby blooming plants. These products are toxic to bees.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will control leafrollers only if they are actively feeding. Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.

Approved Pesticides

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

• ferti-lome Dipel Dust
  Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki [EPA registration number: 7401-290]
• GardenTech Sevin Concentrated Bug Killer
  Active ingredient: carbaryl [EPA registration number: 264-334-71004]
• Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin [EPA registration number: 70051-6-42697]
• Safer Brand Caterpillar Killer for Trees, Shrubs and Vegetables Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki [EPA registration number: 70051-106-42697]
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.

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