Roses may encounter insect problems. Watch for aphids on tender new growth, thrips on flowers and cucumber beetles on foliage. Beetles are especially a problem if a vegetable garden is nearby. Buds infested with thrips will not open properly, producing distorted blooms with discolored edges on the petals. Thrip control measures include applications of malathion, Orthene or Mavrik at recommended rates.
Aphids attack the young, growing foliage and buds, feeding on plant juices.
Although a problem, aphids are easily controlled with regular applications of most general use insecticides. Several species of spider mites occur on roses. The most common are the red spider mite and the two spotted spider mite. Make at least two applications of a recommended miticide about seven days apart to control. Cucumber beetles and grasshoppers can be controlled by Thiodan or Sevin.