Roses, beloved for their beauty, are particularly attractive to aphids due to the sugary sap they provide. These small insects thrive on the phloem juice of plants, which is rich in sugar, making roses an ideal food source, especially during spring and summer.
Aphids pose a significant threat to roses by feeding on the sap from leaves, buds, and stems, weakening the plants and potentially causing deformed growth, stunted development, or even death. Additionally, aphids secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which attracts other pests like ants and can make plants unsightly during the summer months. Experts at Barnsdale Gardens emphasize the importance of protecting roses from aphid infestation before it occurs.
Aphid populations peak in June, as warm weather allows them to multiply rapidly. To protect roses from aphids, experts recommend using a homemade spray made from eco-friendly washing-up liquid. According to the Express, one teaspoon of eco-friendly washing-up liquid mixed with three liters of water can be an effective solution. The experts advise:
“Roses may be red, but aphids are uninvited. These tiny sap-suckers adore those juicy new shoots, so fight back with their favorite green trick. Spray early, spray often, and you’ll stop those aphids before they lay eggs and throw a garden party.”
Applying the mixture around the roses every seven to 10 days can help keep aphids at bay. The spray is also effective if aphids are already present, as it disrupts their exoskeleton and breaks them down. It is crucial to cover all areas of the plant, including the underside of leaves, where these tiny pests often reside.
Monitoring is not limited to roses; crops such as potatoes should also be closely observed. Aphids can harm potato plants directly through feeding damage and indirectly by transmitting several virus diseases. This makes it essential to safeguard these crops and inspect them daily for any signs of pests.
