Content:
- Which Caterpillar Species Attack Roses?
- How To Get Rid of Caterpillars on Roses
- Homemade Remedies for Caterpillars Eating Rose Flowers
- Bottom Line
Successfully growing roses to beautify your home or garden can be a rewarding experience. Whether you are planting new roses, transplanting them, or maintaining existing ones, you must take steps to eliminate caterpillars on roses before they become an issue.
Roses are some of the most beautiful flowers you can grow, and finding caterpillars on the flowers is disheartening. Whether it is a young caterpillar or an old one, they can cause damage to your plants and will quickly multiply if not dealt with regularly.
It’s essential to know how to get rid of caterpillars on roses so that you can take action before the population reaches alarming numbers. However, the caterpillars are harmless, and although they eat holes into your lovely foliage, they don’t kill the plants. If you have ever asked yourself, ‘how to stop caterpillars eating my rose leaves?‘ here are a few things to know and solutions.
Which Caterpillar Species Attack Roses?
As you inspect or admire the roses, you’ve probably come across green, sluggish creatures which are 1/2-inch-long with green bodies, yellow stripes, and blackheads.
They have numerous sharp spikes on their backs that are tucked under the body when not in use. The caterpillars are the larva stage of a sawfly. They mostly appear in late spring, and they love to eat the lower leaves of your roses.
How to Get Rid of Caterpillars on Roses
The first step is to inspect your rose plants for any caterpillars and other insects that can devastate them, including aphids. The aphids are tiny clusters of mealybugs that suck the sap out of the plant. These will usually be found on the underside of leaves or buds and appear as small yellow or brown spots.
Getting rid of caterpillars on roses should be a regular activity. However, don’t panic when you spot them. Addressing the issue on time keeps your flowers healthy and beautiful. The larvae stage usually lasts for about one month, making this a temporary problem.
The downside is, when the infestation is massive, it can cause considerable damage to your plants. It may weaken them, making the plants more prone to other insects and diseases. To get rid of caterpillars eating rose leaves, try:
Hose Them Off
One effective way to manage the problem is using a forceful spray of water on the plants. The pests will fall off and eventually die. You’ll have to repeat this method regularly to keep them away.
This method also prevents the insects from laying eggs which can reproduce more sawfly larvae leading to a severe infestation. Spray water on the underside too to dislodge any larvae.
Pick Them by Hand
When you have a small infestation, the quickest and simplest way to deal with the issue is to pick the caterpillars off by hand.
The worms are usually sluggish during the day, making it easy for you to pluck them off. Just drop them into a container of hot, soapy water or throw them away.
Use a Chemical Solution
Select a chemical solution that’s environmentally friendly and safe for the roses. Bacillus Thuringiensis (Btk) is safe to use around pets and people, making it a popular choice when treating caterpillars on roses in your garden or your indoor potted plants. Spray the solution directly onto the leaves of infested bushes to get rid of the caterpillars.
There are other options, such as insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and chemical sprays. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions and select the right chemical solution carefully.
Home Made Remedies for Caterpillars Eating Rose Flowers
If you’re looking for answers on how to get rid of caterpillars on roses, home remedies might also be ideal.
When done right, they might also be very effective, and the good thing is that they’re inexpensive, simple to make, and safe. They include:
1. Garlic Spray
Garlic spray is effective for caterpillars on roses, ants, slugs, and most other insects.
What you Need:
- 1 – 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 3 cups water
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon, or whisk
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients in a blender, then add them to a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your rose bush and any other affected areas.
2. Mint Spray
Planting mint around your garden can be an excellent natural remedy for caterpillars on roses. Also, the mint spray is often effective when applied directly to the affected parts.
What you Need:
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 3 cups of water
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon, or whisk
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients in a blender, then add them to a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your rose bush and any other affected areas.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil is an excellent natural remedy for getting caterpillars, which can destroy your roses.
The good news is that it’s safe to use around pets and children, making it an ideal option for organic gardeners.
4. Lavender Oil Spray
Lavender oil is also an excellent remedy for caterpillars on roses because it repels harmful bugs in your garden, including sawflies. It’s safe to use around kids and pets when appropriately diluted.
Instructions
Mix a few drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle filled with water and shake well. Spray the solution all over your plants, including the stems, leaves, and underneath its foliage.
5. Soapy Solution
A mixture of regular soap and water can rid caterpillars on roses. The suds will entangle the bugs, preventing them from breathing and eventually dying.
Remember not to use harsh methods to get rid of caterpillars on roses. Doing so harms other valuable insects, the soil, water, air, and wildlife.
If you need to use chemical sprays or home remedies for caterpillars on roses, be sure to apply them carefully. Don’t spray them right over the flowers as this causes pollen blocking, which prevents fertilization of flower buds. It will also lead to discolored petals and fewer blooms which means that you’ll get fewer flowers.
Bottom Line
If you’re stressed wondering how to stop caterpillars from eating your rose leaves, we hope this piece gives you the answers. If you’d like to engage further or chat, please do so in the comments.
Also, remember to share the article with your friends and family if you find it helpful.
