What are those nasty white bugs and what shall I do to them??

13 years ago

I have several rose bushes at our second home. In previous years my main problem has been rose slugs but this year I'm losing new foilage and I've found small white bugs on the undersides of leaves. They aren't the rose slugs but have legs and can move rather quickly. They do not seem to fly. Their bodies are thin and long and get thinner toward the back and actually come to a point. Some of the leaves on the roses have black spots on the top and I tend to think it is unrelated to the bugs as they lurk on the underside. I don't see any of these pests near the buds. I've searched the web for photos of rose pests and don't see anything similar.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated and my apologies if this is a hundreth plus repeat of the question.

Comments (4)

jean001
13 years ago
Any chance of posting images of the critters/damage?

If not, you could take samples to the local Oregon State University Extension Master Gardeners for identification.

- In Washington County, they're in Capital Center, Beaverton, 185th & Walker; 503-821-1150 (9 to noon, and 1 to 4PM).

- In Multnmah County, they're in Montgomery Park, (Room 453) 2701 NW Vaughan; 503-445-4608 (10AM to 2PM)
ebmcconne
13 years ago
Could they be aphids? How tiny? Spray a dishsoap solution or neem oil. You could also try spraying them off with the hose.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
The description really isn't that of an aphid, eb. However, it might be a rose leaf hopper.
taoseeker
13 years ago
Leaf hoppers are the worst to get rid off without any regular pesticide. I have tried everything from soap, neem, milk, vegetable oils and more. Unfortunately I had to resort to a spray can containing pyrethrine. I had struggle for at least 3 years before I caved in, but luckily the leaf hoppers hasn't returned and it's been a couple of years since I sprayed now.