Lonesome Greenfly

I was surprised to spot this greenfly on the roses this morning, because they have been sprayed. Perhaps it will just take one suck of sap and keel over, I don't know. But I sprayed the shoot tips again, just in case.

It is impossible to avoid aphid (greenfly and black fly) troubles on roses in hot weather, especially if they have been fed and have tender and juicy new shoots.

I know pesticides can poison other predator wildlife in the garden, but I believe that spraying has a deterrent effect and thus prevents attack by many pests. Hence, wildlife is relatively safe, albeit that they are not getting fed. This deterrent effect definitely works with slugs and snails, which will detect and avoid metaldeyde. I hoped it works with greenfly, as well. Perhaps it does. I am not sure.

By spraying before the flower buds open, there is less chance of affecting the bees. And it is definitely better than waiting until the plants are covered with (and hence devastated by) these aphids.