Share this

I should be a large image.

Rose Aphids

Macrosiphum rosae and other species
Updated Nov 09, 2022
 
1

Make a Positive Identification

  • Aphids are soft-bodied insects that feed on new plant growth. They have piercing/sucking mouth parts that distort leaves, stems, and flowers.
  • Aphids produce honeydew: a sweet, sticky substance that promotes sooty mold growth.
Species: Aphids
Single rose aphid

© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection

Rose aphids range in color from green (shown in photo) to deep pink or red-brown.

Species: Aphids
Aphids on underside of rose leaf

Aphids congregate on the underside of leaves as shown in the photo.

Species: Aphids
Rose aphid infestation and damage

Anne W. Gideon, Bugwood.org

Curled leaves are a sign of aphid infestation.

Species: Aphids
Aphids on rose bud

Signe Danler, Oregon State University

Severe aphid infestations damage leaves and flowers.

Species: Sooty Mold
Sooty mold on leaf

Rebecca A. Melanson, Mississippi State University Extension, Bugwood.org

Aphids secrete a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew. Honeydew promotes sooty mold growth. The fungus places a black residue on plant leaves as shown in the photo (not a rose leaf).

Free help Identifying Weeds, Insects & Pests
Get expert pest management info & advice online from OSU's Ask Extension.
Get Help
LOOK-ALIKE: ROSE LEAFHOPPER
Species: Leafhopper
Rose leafhopper damage

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Leafhoppers (Edwardsiana rosae) cause feeding damage (stippling) on rose leaves as shown in the photo.

Species: Leafhopper
Leafhopper nymph on leaf

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

The photo shows a leafhopper nymph (life stage). Leafhoppers have a pointed body shape. They hop quickly when disturbed.

 
2

Rose Aphids Benefits

  • Aphids provide food for wildlife (such as birds) and beneficial insect predators, including green lacewings and lady beetles.
 

Rose Aphids Risks

  • Aphids suck sap out of leaves, buds, and stems.
  • Severe infestations distort or kill leaves and flower buds.
  • Aphids secrete a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew. Honeydew promotes sooty mold (fungus) growth. This fungus leaves black residue on rose bushes.
  • Rose aphids spread plant viruses from one plant to another.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
None
Property
Low
Pets
None
Annoyance
Some
Environment
None
Action Optional
 
3

TAKE ACTION?

Aphids affect the way rose plants look. Take action if you can’t tolerate the damage.

Do I need to take action?
Take action if you desire manicured roses. You can leave aphid infestations alone if you can tolerate the damage.

What if I do nothing?
Aphid damage may get worse as the population grows.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

 
4
SOLUTIONS FOR ROSE APHIDS

Monitoring & Timing

  • Look for aphids every week starting in early spring.
  • Aphid control efforts early in the growing season will lower their numbers throughout the season.

Non-chemical Methods

  • Encourage aphid predators such as ladybugs and green lacewings. Planting flowers to attract aphid predators is a preventive strategy. See Biological Pest Control Methods.
  • Spray aphids of rose plants with a strong stream of water.
  • Squash aphids living on the plants’ leaves and stems, including the underside of leaves.

Insecticides (Insect Killers)

  • Insecticides effectively control aphids when used according to the label instructions.

Jump To

Method Does it work? Is it safe? Recommendation
A
Attract Aphid Predators
Effective
Low risk
B
Spray Plants with a Strong Stream of Water
Effective
Low risk
C
Insecticidal Soap, Horticultural Oil & Neem (Organic)
Effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
D
Broad Spectrum & Systemic Insecticides
Effective
High risk
Use if Necessary
E
Homemade Insect Killers
Somewhat effective
Moderate risk
F
If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
G
Prevent Aphids
 
A

Attract Aphid Predators

Non-Chemical Method

Cheryl Moorehead, Bugwood.org (cropped)

Attract Aphid Predators

Birds, spiders, and insect predators are natural enemies that feed on aphids and other insects.

Does it work?
Effective
  • Birds and natural enemies keep aphid populations in check. They don’t get rid of aphid infestations. Tolerate minor aphid damage.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Low effort

Include trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract wildlife and natural enemies in your landscape.

What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
Hutton's virio in shrub

Attract birds to your landscape. They forage for insects in foliage. Provide a diversity of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants to support songbirds. Native plants provide rich habitat for songbirds.

Lady beetle larvae

Many insects feed on aphids. They include lady beetle adults and larvae (shown in photo), lacewing larvae, soldier beetles, and syrphid fly larvae. Avoid using insecticides that harm them.

Purchase & Release Aphid Predators

  • Some aphid predators such as ladybugs can be purchased and released on infested plants.
  • Released predators may leave the garden before controlling aphids.

Ants & Aphids

  • Ants protect aphids from natural enemies.
  • Keep them out of rose bushes with sticky barriers or ant baits intended for outdoor use.

Natural Enemies Reference

For more information, see A Pocket Guide to Common Natural Enemies of Nursery Crops and Garden Pests in the Pacific Northwest  (OSU Extension Service).

 
B

Spray Plants with a Strong Stream of Water

Non-Chemical Method

Spray Plants with a Strong Stream of Water

Spray a strong stream of water at leaves, stems, and flowers of infected plants to remove feeding insects.

Does it work?
Effective

Use preventive measures for best results.

How much effort?
Moderate effort
What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
 
C

Insecticidal Soap, Horticultural Oil & Neem (Organic)

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Insecticidal Soap, Horticultural Oil & Neem (Organic)

Use if Necessary
  • This group of insecticide products effectively controls aphids. Many products with these active ingredients are considered organic (derived from natural materials).
  • They have a lower impact on natural enemies such as ladybugs compared to other insecticide options.
Does it work?
Effective
  • Insecticides must contact aphids to be effective. Thorough coverage of leaves and stems is required.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort
  • Lift leaves and spray undersides of leaves.
  • Insecticides in this group break down quickly (1–2 weeks). Repeat application as needed.
What's the risk?
Moderate risk

Insecticides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Use a magnifying glass.

Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
Using insecticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods.

You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

These products are good choices to control aphids for most situations.

Example product label with active ingredient potassium salts of fatty acids

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white boxes on this example insect-killing soap product label highlight active ingredient Potassium Salts of Fatty Acid. The label states the product “Kills Aphids … and other listed pests.”

Example product label with active ingredient mineral oil

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white boxes on this example product label highlight active ingredient Mineral Oil. The label states “Kills all stages of insects including eggs.” It can be used to smother aphid colonies. It can also be used as a dormant-season spray to kill their eggs.

Example product label with active ingredient neem oil

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white boxes on the example product label highlight active ingredient Neem Oil. The label states that it “Controls … aphids” and is “For use on roses....” Neem oil also kills insects when they feed on treated leaves.

Insecticide Application Tips

  • Products must contact aphids to kill them. Thorough coverage of the underside of leaves is required.
  • Apply at the first sign of aphid activity. Repeat as needed.

Dormant Season Applications with Horticultural Oils

  • Another effective method for controlling aphids is to spray rose bushes with horticultural oil during the dormant season (early spring before buds break).
  • The oil smothers soft-bodied insects such as aphids and their eggs overwintering on rose stems.
 
D

Broad Spectrum & Systemic Insecticides

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Broad Spectrum & Systemic Insecticides

Use if Necessary
  • This group of products works to kill insect pests, but can also harm beneficial insects such as bees and aphid predators.
  • Their use can be avoided by using other methods before aphid populations damage the plants.
Does it work?
Effective

Products effectively control aphids.

How much effort?
Moderate effort
What's the risk?
High risk
  • Insecticides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Use a magnifying glass.
  • Broad-spectrum insecticides work against lawn insect pests, but can kill bees and beneficial insects.
  • Insecticides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
Using insecticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods.

You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Example product label with active ingredient cyfluthrin

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white box on this example product label highlights active ingredient cyfluthrin (a pyrethroid). The label states “KILLS 100+ INSECTS” and shows a drawing of an aphid. A broad-spectrum insecticide, this product also kills pollinators and natural enemies.

Example product label with active ingredient imidacloprid and other ingredient

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white box on the example product label highlights active ingredient imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and another ingredient. The label states “12 MONTH Insect Protection.” Bees and natural enemies that feed on the nectar and pollen of treated plants may be poisoned.

Broad-Spectrum Insecticides

  • Products must contact aphids to kill them. Thorough coverage of the underside of leaves is required.
  • Apply early in the season when you first see aphids. This action reduces aphid numbers in future generations and lessens plant damage.
  • Repeat applications may be necessary.

Example Active Ingredients

Active ingredients in the pyrethroid and pyrthins group:

  • Pyrethrins are natural chemicals that are toxic to insects. They are derived from chrysanthemum flowers.
  • Pyrethroids are human-made versions of similar chemicals. Example active ingredients include: bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, resmethrin, and others.
Broad-spectrum insecticides are highly toxic to all arthropods, including natural enemies and pollinators. Killing natural enemies may lead to outbreaks of spider mites or other pests. Insecticides can wash off plants and run into storm drains and waterways. These broad-spectrum insecticides adversely affect non-target aquatic organisms.

 

SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES (NEONICOTINOIDS)

  • Systemic insecticide products are absorbed by one plant part (e.g., stems or roots) and move to leaves or other plant parts.
  • They may be applied as a soil drench in spring. Adequate rain or irrigation are required to move the product through the soil to the roots.
  • A single application may provide season-long control when applied according to the label directions.

More About Neonicotinoids

  • Neonicotinoids are human-made chemicals similar to nicotine. They are toxic to insects.
  • Imidacloprid is an example active ingredient in this group of insecticides.
Neonicotinoid insecticides can harm pollinators and natural enemies. Following application, the poison may be found in flowers for months or years. Beneficial insects feed on the nectar and pollen. For more information, see OSU’s How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides  
 
E

Homemade Insect Killers

Not Recommended

iStock

Homemade Insect Killers

Homemade mixtures with oil, soap, or other ingredients are not recommended for use as an insect killer (insecticide).

Does it work?
Somewhat effective

 Homemade mixtures have not been tested in terms of effectiveness. How will you know if it works?

How much effort?
Moderate effort

Prepare mixture and apply to plants.

What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • There aren’t standard safety instructions for homemade insect killers. You could harm yourself, desired plants, or the environment.
  • Recipes that use tobacco soaked in water and applied to plants are toxic to people. Don’t use them.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
Using homemade insect killer includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods.

You may be exposed to homemade insect killer if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Homemade insect killers don't have safety instructions. How will you know how to keep yourself, desired plants, and the environment from harm?

 

If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Fish jumping in river

Brandon (@greener_30) on Unsplash

Why Is It important to Read Insecticide Labels?

  • They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
  • They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
  • They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
  • Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Safety Tips

  • Read the entire label front to back.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Review the instructions even for brands you know.
  • Only apply the product where the label says it can be applied.
  • Keep all insecticides in their original container.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

  • Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
  • Use a magnifying glass.
  • Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
  • Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
  • The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin, & lung irritants

  • Wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
  • Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
  • Never spray directly overhead. Pay attention to wind conditions.

Protect Children & Pets
Keep out of the reach of children.

  • Keep children and pets away from the application area.
  • Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides. Wait until spray has dried or dust has settled.

Protect Pollinators
Many insecticides are extremely toxic to bees.

  • Honey bees and other pollinators are harmed by most insecticides.
  • Don’t spray on bees or other flying insects.
  • Don’t allow spray to contact blooming plants.

Avoid Wet Weather & Keep Insecticides Out of Waterways
Some insecticides are toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.

  • Don’t spray insecticides in water.
  • Insecticides sprayed on plants can wash off with rain and enter waterways.

Storage & Disposal

  • Store out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Store in a cool and dry place.
  • Never pour down any drain.
  • If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
  • Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
  • Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call  1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro’s website  

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management  (Oregon Department of Agriculture).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

 

Prevent Aphids

Healthy rose foliage and buds

Signe Danler, Oregon State University

Grow Healthy Roses
  • Stressed plants are more susceptible to insect damage.
  • Grow roses in full sun.
  • Provide water as needed.
  • Don’t overfertilize.
Aphids and shed skins on underside of rose leaf and sticky honeydew on the leaf to right

Signe Danler, Oregon State University

Watch for Aphids
  • Begin looking for aphids prior to bud break and during new growth flushes.
  • The best time to manage is early in the season before aphids become more abundant.
  • Check the upper surfaces of the lower leaves for honeydew and black sooty mold.
Lady beetle larva surrounded by aphids on underside of leaf

Winston Beck, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Encourage Aphid Predators
  • Aphids have many natural enemies that reduce their numbers. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that kill those enemies too.
  • Ants protect aphids from natural enemies. Keep them out of bushes with sticky barriers, baits, or traps.
Aphid mummies on underside of leaf

David Cappaert, Bugwood.org

Look for Signs of Natural Enemies at Work
  • Aphid mummies are the empty shells of dead aphids as shown in the photo.
  • If you see aphid mummies, then you know that natural enemies are at work, helping you to control aphids.
  • A parasitic wasp laid its eggs on these aphids. The eggs hatched into larvae that fed on the tissue in the aphids’ bodies. Adult wasps then exited and continued their life cycle.

Content provided by writer Signe Danler by editor Weston Miller. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

 Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Signe Danler

Signe Danler (Editor/Writer)

Signe supports the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program by producing educational content for online Master Gardener training courses, and teaching and managing the OSU-Extension online Home Horticulture courses. She also designs residential and commercial landscapes, specializing in regenerative gardening and landscaping practices.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.