What Is Eating The Leaves On My Roses

You’ve noticed the holes, the ragged edges, or maybe entire leaves vanishing from your rose bushes. It’s frustrating to see your hard work being eaten away. Figuring out what is eating the leaves on my roses is the first step to getting your garden back on track. Let’s look at the common suspects and how to stop them.

Rose leaves are a favorite meal for many insects and some larger creatures. The damage they leave behind is often a clear clue to their identity. By looking closely at the type of damage, the time of day it happens, and even the season, you can pinpoint the culprit.

This section breaks down the most likely offenders. We’ll start with insects, as they are the most common cause of leaf damage.

Common Insect Pests and Their Telltale Signs

These tiny creatures can cause significant damage. Here’s how to identify them by the clues they leave.

Japanese Beetles

These are perhaps the most notorious rose eaters. They are easy to spot.

Appearance: Metallic blue-green bodies with copper-brown wing covers.
Damage: They skeletonize leaves, eating the tissue between the veins so the leaf looks like lace.
Activity: They feed in broad daylight, usually in groups, from early to mid-summer.

Rose Slugs (Sawfly Larvae)

Don’t let the name fool you—these are not slugs. They are the larvae of sawflies.

Appearance: Pale green, caterpillar-like larvae that may look slimy.
Damage: They create “windowpane” damage early on, eating the soft layer on one side of the leaf. Older larvae chew large holes or devour entire leaves, leaving only the veins.
Activity: Often found on the undersides of leaves. You might see several generations from spring to fall.

Caterpillars (Various Types)

Many moth and butterfly caterpillars will munch on rose leaves.

Damage: Irregular, large holes in leaves. You might find dark droppings (frass) on or under the leaves.
Common Types: Inchworms, leafrollers, and armyworms can all be guilty.

Leafcutter Bees

These are actually beneficial pollinators, but their work can be alarming.

Damage: Neat, almost circular holes cut from the edges of leaves. The holes are very smooth.
Why they do it: They use the leaf pieces to build nests for their young. They rarely harm the plant’s health.

Other Pests That Damage Roses

Insects aren’t the only problem. Here are some other animals that might be visiting your garden at night.

Deer

If you live near wooded areas, deer are a prime suspect for major damage.

Damage: They tear off leaves, stems, and even flowers, leaving ragged ends. Damage is often high up on the bush.
Signs: Look for hoof prints in soft soil around the garden.

Rabbits

These small mammals can do a lot of harm, especially to new growth.

Damage: Clean-cut chewing on leaves and stems, usually lower on the plant. They may also gnaw on canes.
Time: They typically feed at dawn and dusk.

How to Diagnose the Problem Accurately

Before you take action, make sure you know what your dealing with. A quick inspection can tell you alot.

Examine the Damage: Is it holes, skeletonizing, or missing leaves? Is the damage high or low on the plant?
Check the Undersides: Turn leaves over. Many pests, like aphids and sawfly larvae, hide there during the day.
Inspect at Different Times: Check your roses early in the morning, at dusk, and even at night with a flashlight. Some pests only come out after dark.
Look for the Pest Itself: You might find the insect, its eggs, or droppings nearby.
Note the Season: Japanese beetles are a summer issue. Sawflies often appear in late spring. Caterpillars are more common in warm months.

Effective, Step-by-Step Control Methods

Once you’ve identified the culprit, you can choose the right response. Always start with the least harmful method.

For Japanese Beetles

Hand-Picking: In the early morning when they are sluggish, shake them off into a bucket of soapy water. This is very effective for small infestations.
Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap: Spray directly on beetles. These work on contact but need reapplication.
Skip the Traps: Beetle traps often attract more beetles to your yard than they catch, making the problem worse.

For Rose Slugs (Sawfly Larvae)

Blast Them Off: A strong jet of water from your hose can dislodge many larvae.
Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil: Spray thoroughly, especially under leaves. You must contact the larvae for it to work.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is not effective Bt only works on true caterpillars (moths and butterflies), not sawfly larvae.

For General Caterpillars

Hand-Pick: If you see them, remove them.
Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): This natural bacterial spray is very effective against true caterpillars and is safe for other insects.

For Deer and Rabbits

Fencing: This is the most reliable solution. For rabbits, use a fine mesh fence buried a few inches into the ground. For deer, you need a fence at least 8 feet tall.
Repellents: Commercial or homemade repellents (like egg or garlic sprays) can work but need frequent reapplication, especially after rain.
Plant Choice: Consider planting less palatable plants around your roses as a buffer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.

Preventing Future Problems

A healthy garden is your best defense. Here’s how to make your roses less inviting to pests.

Encourage Beneficial Insects: Plant flowers like yarrow, dill, and cosmos to attract ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that eat pests.
Keep Your Garden Clean: Remove fallen leaves and debris in the fall to eliminate overwintering sites for insects and disease.
Inspect Regularly: Make a habit of checking your roses each week. Catching a problem early makes it much easier to manage.
Water and Fertilize Properly: Healthy roses can withstand some pest damage. Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can promote soft, sappy growth that attracts aphids and other pests.
Choose Resistant Varieties: Some rose varieties are more pest-resistant than others. Do a little research before you buy new plants.

When to Use (and Not Use) Chemical Controls

Chemical pesticides should be a last resort. They can harm bees, butterflies, and the natural predators that help you.

If you must use them:

Always identify the pest first so you use the correct product.
Spot-treat only the affected plants, not the whole garden.
Apply in the early morning or late evening when bees are not active.
Never spray on windy days.
Follow the label instructions exactly—more is not better.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is chewing my rose leaves at night?

Several pests feed at night. Slugs and snails chew irregular holes and leave a slimy trail. Caterpillars are also active at night, as are adult sawflies (which lay eggs that become rose slugs). Deer and rabbits also typically feed from dusk to dawn.

What makes holes in rose leaves?

Holes are usually caused by chewing insects. Large, irregular holes point to caterpillars or beetles. Very neat, circular holes are the work of leafcutter bees. Small, shotgun-like holes can be from certain types of beetles or even fungal disease like shot hole fungus, so check carefully.

How do I get rid of bugs eating my rose leaves?

Start with physical removal (hand-picking or water spray). Then try organic sprays like insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are gentler on the environment. Always target the specific bug you’ve identified for the best results.

Can my roses recover from leaf damage?

Yes, absolutely. Roses are resilient. If the plant is otherwise healthy, it will produce new leaves. Remove any severely damaged leaves to improve air circulation and appearance. Ensure the plant gets adequate water to support its recovery, but avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease.

Are there any home remedies for rose pests?

A simple spray of mild dish soap (1-2 teaspoons per gallon of water) can work against soft-bodied insects like aphids and young sawfly larvae. A garlic or chili pepper spray may deter some chewing insects, but its effectiveness varies and it needs frequent application.

Final Thoughts on a Healthy Rose Garden

Seeing damage on your prized roses is always disheartening. But with a careful eye, you can usually figure out the culprit quickly. Remember that a totally pest-free garden isn’t a realistic or even desirable goal, as some insects are part of the ecosystem.

The key is balance. Focus on growing vigorous plants through good soil, proper watering, and sensible feeding. Encourage nature’s helpers, the beneficial insects and birds, to take up residence in your garden. By taking this approach, you’ll spend less time fighting pests and more time enjoying the beautiful blooms that make all the effort worthwhile. Your roses have a great capacity to bounce back with a little help from you.