The rose midge is a tiny fly that lays its eggs in the buds and shoots of roses. Scouting Feeding by the larvae causes bent, misshapen, or blasted buds and withering stem tips. Flower buds and growing shoots turn brown and finally black. Control Prune out these infested buds to remove the larvae, reducing the number of midges available to reinfest the plants. Midge damage is often noticed after July.
Chemical control is needed for persistent problems.
Systemic insecticides are the best choice. Diazinon, a non-systemic, is also an option, but larvae can be protected from the chemical within the flower or vegetative buds. Be sure to get good coverage of flower buds. The head, snout, legs, and underside are black. Scouting These weevils feed on all types of roses, especially shrub roses.