Hello,

I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with caterpillar infestations. Let’s tackle this issue step by step:

Identify the Pest:

Based on your description and the images you provided, it’s likely that you’re dealing with spongy moth caterpillars. These caterpillars feed on oak leaves and other preferred host trees.

They have pairs of red and blue spots along their backs and long, dark hairs.

More information at this link:

Spongy Moth | Home and Garden Education Center (uconn.edu)

Management Strategies:

Banding: Consider using bands to protect your oak trees. Bands take advantage of the caterpillars’ behavior. Most spongy moth caterpillars are active in the evening and rest during the day.

Wait until the caterpillars are about an inch long (usually early to mid-June) before applying bands.

Construct a hiding band from burlap or similarly heavy cloth that is dark. Wrap it around the trunk about chest high.

Leave the bands on the trees until most caterpillars are spinning cocoons and pupating in July.

Note that bands won’t affect the overall density of the local spongy moth population but can reduce feeding on specific tree. More information at this link:

Using Bands to Protect Shade Trees from Spongy Moth - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)

Physical Removal:

Sweep areas where caterpillar droppings (frass) accumulate or spray them with a hose. The frass can be safely used as fertilizer or composted. More information at this link:

Spongy Moth | Home and Garden Education Center (uconn.edu)

Natural Collapse:

Spongy moth outbreaks typically collapse after 2-4 years due to virus and fungus diseases building up in the population. More information at this link:

Using Bands to Protect Shade Trees from Spongy Moth - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)

Rose Bushes:

For your rose bushes, consider using organic insecticides or natural predators like ladybugs to control caterpillar populations. Regularly inspect the bushes for caterpillars and remove them manually if possible.

Remember that persistence is key, and a combination of strategies may be most effective. If the infestation persists, consider consulting with an arborist for personalized advice. 
To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:

Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)

I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab for a confirm and precise identification. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images too.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

If the lab wants you to submit a sample, this link will explain the details on submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

I hope this helps!