What are these white bugs on rose buds?

[balaji27]

Hello Team,

Please refer to the pics, what are these white insects - are they harmful to the rose plant and flower buds? Please advise.

Thanks - Balaji

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[Akanksha]

Thanks for your question @balaji27. 

Calling on our informed garden experts @Noelle and @mich1972 for their thoughts.

Akanksha

[Noelle]

Hi @balaji27 

Common aphids - sap-sucking insects that are the most common insect pest of roses worldwide! They may be whitish, green or even black depending on the particular type of aphid.

If left unchecked, aphids can cause quite severe distortion of rose blooms due to the way they feed. Control/eradication is recommended as soon as they are noticed.

• A strong blast with the hose will wash them off but, since aphids can fly, they may return just as quickly.
• You can rub them off with your fingers - messy but effective but perhaps not very practical where there are huge populations of numerous affected rose bushes!
• A spray with pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, will kill them. It must be applied direct on to the pests to be effective as it is a contact poison. Try not to spray in the middle of the day or when it is hot/sunny, as the spray could burn the rose buds. Read the label carefully and follow advice regarding when and how to spray and also whether you need to wear gloves and/or a mask.
• Another option for spraying is Neem, also a contact spray that needs to be applied to the pests themselves.

Unfortunately there are no preventative sprays for controlling aphids - you need to take action when the pests are first noticed to try to limit populations and damage.

Want to know more about growing roses? Check out the rose growing guide here

[Noelle]

PS @balaji27 

There's a mixture of aphids (green insects) and whitefly (white insects) visible in the close-up image. The information al;ready given applies to both pests.

[balaji27]

Thanks a lot @Noelle , I will follow as advised.

[rachael_wilson]

Hi balaji27,

 Interesting fact for you, Hoverfly larvae (the caterpillar) will eat Aphids. I too almost sprayed my infestation with pyrethrum but noticed this little guy feasting on them. So I left them alone and a few days later the infestation was dramatically reduced to almost nothing. I tell you this because if you choose to spray with pyrethrum this will kill the Hoverflies too. Of course you may not have any larvae at all, but a quick inspection and you will soon see. Nature is an incredible thing, and sometimes if we mess with it too much we change the balance

[balaji27]

Thanks @rachael_wilson , that is an interesting information.

Regards

Balaji.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @rachael_wilson. It's wonderful to have you join us, and great to meet a fellow bug enthusiast.

Predatory insects are a wonderful thing, aren't they!? Super-cool to see nature managing its own issues.  

We're keen to hear all about your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out anytime you need assistance or have something to share with the community.

Mitchell