Troubleshooting Aphids On Rose Buds

Aphids, especially greenfly, are a real pest on juicy rose buds during a hot spell at this time of year (roses open around the time of the summer solstice). Although there is one adult here (bottom right), we have mostly young greenfly, which are born live (viviparous) and develop through several stages, often shedding cuticles or skins which fall down to leaves below (see 'Old Cuticles Are Sure Sign Of Pest Trouble')


Young blackfly are also present

Aphids need controlling because they spread viral diseases and cause structural damage to flowers and leaves. They also excrete honeydew as they feed (you have probably experienced this when walking beneath the canopy of summer trees) which drops onto the lower leaves and attracts black sooty mould (this is not in fact harmful, just disfiguring).


Also in other colours:

Aphids also come in many other shades and colours


CONTROL
Control with 'Provado' (thiacloprid) for long-lasting systemic action, or organic fatty acid sprays, or soap and water, or water, or remove by hand or . . . there are many treatments.

See also 'Lonesome Greenfly'; 'Blackfly On Dahlia Bud'