Recently my rose gardens have been devastated by Rose Midge - I was losing some 50-75% of stems/blooms to the midge. I’m in week 2 now of battling it using a product called Cyanara 9.7 - as a foliar spray and a soil drench – it’s too soon to tell if I am making any headway. Anybody else have a midge battle to talk about?
I suspect the very mild winter here (Chicago area) is responsible for the unprecedented midge population here somehow - Spring came 2-3 weeks early this year. We also have Wabbits to deal with this year where we haven’t in the past. Was told by a knowledgeable horticulturist at the local garden center that for reasons unknown the coyote population around here is down – hence the rabbit population is up.
I am having a problem with Midge too! It doesn’t seem to be as extensive as yours (yet) and I have yet to treat it (next weeks project). Years ago I did use a systemic to treat but it has been a while. I would rather not use Cyanara if I can as I know it damages the good insects in my garden.
Jim is right on. I apply Bio-Advanced Complete Insect Killer granules starting in the early spring at 60-day intervals. The product does contain imidacloprid.
The problem is increasing due to the growing distaste for chemical solutions and the mass plantings of “carefree” roses left underattended.
I too have struggled with rose midge the past two summers here in Trenton , MI.
Last spring 2023 I tried Bonide granular systemic insect control with Imidacloprid with limited success.
This year I’ve been using Bio-Advanced Dual Action spray for insects with Imidacloprid, which comes in a 24 oz. spray bottle which I use where I see midge damage. Still have a problem. But out of desperation I used Spectracide Triazicide Systemic Insect Killer (concentrate) which lists midge. Main ingredient is Gamma Cyhalothrin.
The roses made a quick comeback with more blooms. I used it one time with concern of it affecting good insects.
Next spring I will decide to use another granular midge killer or go with the Triazicide, which I will continue to research.
And what about earwigs? They are in all of my rosebuds. I spray with Neem Oil during the spring and summer in the early morning. We are now winding down, so I have not sprayed.
Midge madness! We had a midge outbreak about 10 years ago in the DC area. I have successfully treated over 80 gardens that had severe midge infestations. The rapid reproduction rate ( every 12-16 days) creates havoc in gardens. Success equates to dosage, frequency and your soil rebuilding program. First step, cut it out , bag and tie. Second use Bayer Complete Insect Killer granules (has one/two punch, imidacloprid & cyfluethrins, low rates) , 4-6 oz per bush, spring, summer and fall before buds set. Third, 4-6 weeks following applications, apply microbes and organics to replenish soil. Fourth, monitor, continue to cut out every week and spot treat bush if necessary with granules or liquid application of same product.
midge lives in soil and comes out when ground warms up in spring. Untreated, midge ( hard to see without magnifier) goes after the most succulent part of bush, which is the emerging bud. The cycle is midge lay eggs on the end of a developing cane, the larvae feed on the emerging bud, pupate ( again you cont see this) fall to the ground and the cycle repeats every 12-16 days., they leave behind a burnt match look or crooked bud. First step of control, reduce the population by cutting back the the burnt match/crooked buds, bagging your debris and tying or folding the bag so the midge that is still on your cut debris don’t fly around.
Pam - it’s very difficult to catch the larva in action. If the growing tip is already burnt then you are too late. I have read that the life cycle of midge is much shorter than you state - perhaps only 3-7 days.
Hi Pam! I am dealing with a heavy infestation now currently on all my 70 roses! I’ve been treating with alternating sprays of peremithrin and Lambda-cyhalothrin. Seemed to work ok but have to constantly spray and no I have spider mites
Is the bioadvance insect killer granules superior to this method? I would love to stop spraying these chemicals all the time! Would you say it is more or less detrimental to beneficial insects?
Do you have to repeat treatment year after year?
And what do you mean by reapplying organics and microbes?
Sorry for all the questions lol thank you for all your help! I have 3 young children right now (1 is a baby) and I’m trying to find a way to manage this that’s not so time consuming or toxic without having to get rid of my roses!
The bioadvanced killer complete granules are applied to the soil- 3 times a year, before buds set. Yes, if you have an infestation you will need to follow process every year. Apply, work in and water to activate.I apply 6 ounces per average bush, 1/2 of that for minis, mini floras, etc.
My focus is always on my soil. The granules are a chemical, so in between treatments, Microbe Remedy and earthworm castings are applied. I have earthworms, frogs, beneficials and lovely roses to enjoy.
My Midge problem seems to have been eradicated by the Cyonara 9.7 treatment. Over a 2–3-week period I sprayed the bushes 4 times (3 or 4 days apart) and in between I used a soil drench 5 times. I now have great stems, buds and blooms with no sign of midge damage. The Cyonara product really works on midge.
