Roses covered in green things!

catewithers

Complete gardening novice so bear with me!

In the garden yesterday, still fighting to get it under control cos it's been so neglected. Noticed some lovely new buds on my rosebush so wandered over to take a look.

SHOCK HORROR!!! :eek: They're covered in little green insects!!!!!! :eek: Found some bug spray in the shed and sprayed it with that but this morning while wandering round having my morning fag before leaving for work, they're still there, if not more of them!!!! :eek:

What are they and what shall I do to get rid of them?!

DKLS

If your not too squemish, rub the buds gently with your fingers and squish em.

KatrinaC_2

They sound like greenfly, properly known as Aphids - they love anything soft and green, and are notorious for munching on roses.

There are a few ways to get rid of them. Off the top of my head, I can think of:

1) Squish 'em. Wear gloves if you are squeamish. Or pay the kids to do them.
2) Wash the leaves with a mixture of washing up liquid and water. Try to do this in the early evening so that the sun doesn't scorch the leaves.
3) Get beneficial insects to eat them for you - ladybirds adore greenfly and will regard your rose in the same way as I view the deli counter at Waitrose. You can even buy them in if you can't find any in your garden.
4) Spray with bug killers. I would always use this as a last resort as this kills everything including your good bugs. Once your goodies are gone, the aphids will return (probably from next door or an unsprayed leaf) and you will get more of them without any preditors to control them.

Kat

rizla155

Sounds like you have greenfly. very common on roses this time of the year. There are various methods of dealing with these little rascals, I use the orgasmic, sorry the organic method. A tea spoonful of washing up detergent mixed with a pint of water and spray or splash on the rose buds, not sure whether this kills them or rinses them away??? Alternatively buy a pesticide.

KatrinaC_2

rizla155 wrote: »

A tea spoonful of washing up detergent mixed with a pint of water and spray or splash on the rose buds, not sure whether this kills them or rinses them away???

It kills them - the aphids have a waxy coating and the washing up liquid disperses it so that they dry out and die.

Kat

Seakay

From th BBC site:

Natural soap washing-up liquid, mixed with water and sprayed onto the aphids is one method. Aphids breathe through their skin, so spraying them with a solution of washing-up liquid blocks the pores of the skin and they suffocate.

Natural predators of aphids include lacewings and ladybirds. If you have no lacewings or ladybirds in your garden, it's possible to buy packets of eggs via mail-order. The eggs are placed on the plant, near to where the infestation is. Both larvae and adults will consume many aphids in one day. By placing bug boxes around your garden, you are providing a winter shelter for lacewings and ladybirds.

Another way to rid your plants of aphids is to run your thumb and forefinger along the stems and leaves of plants and brush the aphids off. Do this gently, so as not to damage the plant. Once the aphids have been brushed off, they will not climb back onto the plant. Use this method every two days for one week and the aphids will be gone.

Hoverflies1 are always welcome visitors to the garden. Their larvae feed on many pests, primarily aphids and small caterpillars, and encouraging them to visit your garden is certainly worthwhile. Flowers which provide nectar and pollen will encourage these handy insects to breed. Hoverflies like flat, open flowers, such as feverfew and poached egg plant. They also like flowers rich in nectar, like hebes and golden rod.

catewithers

Thanks so much - will try and brush them off after work and then get a spray bottle for the washing up liquid method on later days! I did think they migt be aphids - so I obviously know a little bit more than I thought!

MrsTinks

I have tried the wahing up liquid and never managed to kill any it seems... so this year I finally succumbed to the pesticides (boohiss) and found one that would protect my roses for 6 weeks. So I spray, they die and it should be 6 weeks before I need to spray again... so far week 3 and no aphids have returned! Roses are looking good and in bud!!!

catewithers

SO don't hold me in suspenders!!! What is this wonder product?!!!

MrsTinks

LOL I'm at work and can't recall the name but got it from homebase I'll look up the name when I get home

catewithers

:eek: I can't wait!!!!! Hurry!!!!!

Love your oldies club website btw - I'd love to adopt one but my husband would kill me as we've already got 2 dogs! Both rescue!!