If you’re noticing holes, chewed leaves, or damaged buds on your prized plants, you’re likely wondering what’s eating my roses. This is a common frustration for gardeners, as roses are a favorite target for a variety of pests. Don’t worry, though. Identifying the culprit is the first step to getting your garden back under control.
This guide will help you spot the signs and provide effective, practical solutions. We’ll cover the most common insects and animals that damage roses, from tiny sap-suckers to larger nighttime visitors.
What’s Eating My Roses
Let’s look at the main suspects. Damage can appear in different ways, so checking the type of injury helps narrow down the list.
Common Insect Pests
These are the tiny bugs you’ll often need to look closely to see.
Aphids
These are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and buds. They’re usually green or pink.
- Signs: Clusters of small bugs on stems and buds. Sticky “honeydew” residue on leaves, which can lead to sooty mold.
- Solution: A strong blast of water from your hose often knocks them off. For bad infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Japanese Beetles
These metallic green and copper beetles are a major nuisance. They skeletonize leaves, eating the tissue between the veins.
- Signs: Lacy, skeletonized leaves. You’ll see the beetles themselves feeding in groups during the day.
- Solution: Hand-pick them in the early morning and drop them into soapy water. Beetle traps can attract more beetles to your yard, so place them far from your roses.
Rose Slugs (Sawfly Larvae)
Not true slugs, these are the caterpillar-like larvae of sawflies. They can quickly defoliate a plant.
- Signs: Leaves appear “skeletonized” but with a clearer, window-like effect. You’ll find them on the undersides of leaves.
- Solution: Insecticidal soap or spinosad works well. Check leaf undersides regularly in spring and early summer.
Spider Mites
These are nearly microscopic pests that thrive in hot, dusty conditions. They suck sap from the undersides of leaves.
- Signs: Leaves look stippled or dusty, may turn bronze, and have fine webbing. Damage is often worst during dry spells.
- Solution: Increase humidity with occasional overhead watering. Use miticides or horticultural oil, making sure to coat the leaf undersides.
Thrips
These tiny, slender insects hide inside buds and flowers, making them hard to spot.
- Signs: Distorted, streaked, or browned petals. Buds may fail to open properly. Damage is most obvious on light-colored blooms.
- Solution: Remove and destroy badly infested buds. Systemic insecticides can be effective but use them cautiously to protect pollinators.
Larger Animal Pests
Sometimes the damage comes from bigger creatures, often visiting at night.
Deer
Deer will eat rose canes, leaves, and buds, leaving behind ragged cuts.
- Signs: Significant, rough damage on canes and foliage, usually several feet off the ground.
- Solution: Physical barriers like tall fencing are most reliable. Repellents need frequent reapplication, especially after rain.
Rabbits
Rabbits nibble on tender new growth and can gnaw on young canes.
- Signs: Clean-cut damage on stems and leaves, close to the ground (under 2 feet).
- Solution: Use cylindrical wire mesh cages around the base of your plants. Remove brush piles where rabbits hide.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Follow these steps to figure out who’s to blame.
- Inspect the Damage: Look closely at the leaves, stems, and buds. Note the pattern—skeletonized leaves, chewed edges, or stippling?
- Check the Time: Look for pests at different times. Japanese beetles feed in sun; slugs and animals feed at night.
- Look for the Pest: Check the undersides of leaves, along stems, and deep inside flower buds. Use a magnifying glass for small bugs like mites.
- Identify Secondary Signs: Look for honeydew, webbing, frass (insect droppings), or tracks.
Effective Treatment Strategies
Once you know the pest, you can choose the right response.
Organic and Physical Controls
These methods are gentler on the environment and beneficial insects.
- Hand-Picking: Effective for larger pests like beetles and caterpillars. Do it in the early morning when they’re less active.
- Water Sprays: A strong jet of water dislodges aphids, mites, and some small larvae.
- Insecticidal Soap & Neem Oil: These are contact pesticides that work on soft-bodied insects. You must spray them directly on the pest. Reapply after rain.
- Beneficial Insects: Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and birds. They eat aphids, mites, and other pests. You can even buy some beneficials to release in your garden.
- Barriers: Use floating row covers to protect plants from flying insects. Use netting or fencing for deer and rabbits.
Chemical Controls (As a Last Resort)
Use these carefully and only when other methods fail.
- Targeted Sprays: Choose a product specific to the pest (like a miticide for spider mites) to avoid harming beneficial insects.
- Systemic Insecticides: These are absorbed by the plant and can protect it for weeks. Avoid applying them when roses are in bloom to protect bees.
- Always Read the Label: Follow the instructions exactly for the plant, pest, and application rate. More is not better.
Prevention is Key
A healthy garden is the best defense. Here’s how to prevent infestations before they start.
- Choose Resistant Varieties: Some rose cultivars are bred to be less appealing to pests. Do a little research before you buy.
- Keep Plants Healthy: Plant roses in full sun with good air circulation. Water at the base to avoid wet leaves, which invites disease. Fertilize appropriately—too much soft, new growth can attract aphids.
- Maintain Garden Cleanliness: Remove fallen leaves and debris in the fall to eliminate overwintering sites for pests and diseases. Prune out dead or diseased wood regularly.
- Inspect Regularly: Make a habit of checking your roses weekly. Catching a problem early makes it much easier to manage.
- Practice Crop Diversity: Mixing roses with other plants can confuse pests and attract their natural predators.
FAQ Section
What is chewing holes in my rose leaves at night?
This is likely caused by caterpillars, rose slugs (sawfly larvae), or snails and slugs. Check for slime trails (snails/slugs) or look for the larvae on the leaf undersides after dark with a flashlight.
How do I get rid of bugs on my rose bushes naturally?
Start with a strong water spray. Then, use insecticidal soap or neem oil applications. Encourage beneficial insects by planting flowers like yarrow and dill. Hand-picking larger pests is also very effective.
What animal is eating my rose buds?
Deer, rabbits, and sometimes squirrels or birds will eat rose buds. Deer leave ragged tears, rabbits make clean cuts low on the plant, and birds sometimes peck at buds. Look for tracks or droppings nearby to confirm.
Why are my rose leaves turning yellow and falling off?
While pests can cause this, it’s often a sign of stress from over/under-watering, fungal disease like black spot, or a nutrient deficiency. Check for pest signs first, then review your watering and care routine.
What are the tiny green bugs all over my new rose shoots?
Those are almost certainly aphids. They love tender new growth. A quick blast of water or a spray of soapy water will take care of a mild infestation. For heavy infestations, you might need to use a stronger organic spray.
Figuring out what’s eating your roses takes a little detective work, but it’s very manageable. By identifying the specific pest and using targeted solutions, you can protect your roses and enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden all season long. Consistent monitoring and good garden hygiene are your most powerful tools for keeping these common pests at bay.