One of my roses has aphids. There were a dozen or so this morning. I want to treat and get them under control quickly. I have 20 other bushes to protect!
I’ve heard just hose the bush and then spray with neem oil or cut affected parts and drown them.
what should I do?
HOSE all the way! Aphids are the most temporary, easiest pest to dispatch. If your weather is to turn warm and drier shortly, you may not need to do anything as they love “green house conditions” and HATE hot and dry. You’ve paid precious time and other resources for that beautiful new growth and you’re considering sacrificing it for aphids? Hose them off when you find them. That won’t hurt the beneficial insects which eat them. The rose will love the extra water and you will benefit from a bit of mindless “rose enjoyment”.
Thank you!!!
I hosed her down and we will be in the mid-80s all week, so that should help! I live in a dry climate, so that’s another bonus
Bingo! Sounds as if that may be all you will need to do…HOSE them off! Aphids give LIVE BIRTH to a new generation every week and they are BORN pregnant so it may appear as if what you’re doing isn’t working, but it is. Just keep drowning the buggers.