I've been struggling with an aphid infestation on my roses, which I didn't notice until it was almost too late. I should have a blooming garden filled with red and yellow roses, but instead, I'm fighting just to save the first rose bush! I've mainly dealt with indoor pests before, such as mealybugs and spider mites, so I'm new to handling aphids. A couple of weeks ago, I saw some green spots on a bud, but I didn't think much of it. Now, I've got dead buds and the new shoots are completely covered in these little pests! I've tried using Bio Advanced all-in-one rose and flower spray, but they keep coming back. I've also been spraying them off with water to minimize the pesticide exposure. Is there any effective solution to get rid of these aphids so I can enjoy my roses this year?
2 Answers
I've had my share of aphid battles on different plants. One of the best solutions is using natural predators. Lacewing larvae, for example, are fantastic at scaring off aphids. Just keep in mind that they need to be kept alive during shipping, so avoid forgetting about them! If you notice ants, they can protect aphids, so you might want to use sticky tape to keep them away. Physically removing aphids with a soap and water solution can be more effective, as they tend to escape when sprayed with water. Don't forget to check the undersides of leaves too!
Insecticidal soap is a great option for tackling aphids! It works by removing the protective coating on them, which causes them to dehydrate and die. Mixing in a few drops of horticultural oil, like neem or tea tree oil, can enhance the effect. Just remember to apply it a couple of times a week since their eggs won't be impacted by the soap. Stay persistent; you'll win this battle, and your roses will thrive! Oh, and if you have ants around, they can farm aphids, so consider using ant gel as well!