Aphids, mites, rose stem borers, and gall wasps were the four most common insect pests observed between 1989 and 1992 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Leaf miners, leafhoppers, thrips, and other chewing and skeletonizing insects were seen occasionally. These small insects are one of the more common pests of roses. They are soft-bodied, usually lime green, and are found on cane tips, flower buds, and on the bottom of new leaves, where they puncture the plant to suck juices. As they feed, they excrete a sticky and glossy residue called honeydew.
Severe infestations can lead to drying and curling of new leaves.
Pesticides and natural predators, such as ladybugs, provide control for aphid infestations. Aphids feeding on Rosa Robusta . The larval stage of ladybugs, called lions, are feeding on the aphids. Mites Mites are also common on roses, but are difficult to see because of their very small size. They pierce foliage and suck plant sap from leaves.