What's eating my roses? - Ask Extension
In early September I noticed this damage to our Queen Elizabeth roses - any idea what could be the cause or how to prevent it from recurring?
Knowledgebase
What's eating my roses? #916330
Asked September 03, 2025, 12:15 PM EDT
In early September I noticed this damage to our Queen Elizabeth roses - any idea what could be the cause or how to prevent it from recurring?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Kerry. There are half dozen potential culprits for rose damage, most of which lay eggs in the rose buds, and, after the eggs became larvae, they ate the developing petals. The most likely pest is the rose curculio (https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/rose-rosa-rose-curculio)
As this resource recommends, finding and disposing of the adults now, and watching for the eggs in the spring, may help prevent this damage again. Good luck!
As this resource recommends, finding and disposing of the adults now, and watching for the eggs in the spring, may help prevent this damage again. Good luck!
