They are small, but they significantly impact the beautifully colored roses you plant. We are, of course, talking about aphids. This creature eats plants and spreads viruses, damaging not only roses but also other plants in the garden. Fortunately, there are several ways to combat aphids on roses.

Aphids can cause several damages to roses. Plants and roses are essential food sources for aphids. Aphids often live at growing points to obtain as much nourishment as possible, for example, at the tips of young stems or where flower buds are beginning to grow. They get nutrition by gnawing on the stem.

So far nothing seems to be happening. However, with each bite, the aphid injects saliva into the plant. This saliva enters the plant cells and eventually grows into a virus that can make the plant sick, discolor it, dry it out, cause growth retardation, or even kill it altogether.

Here are some ways you can get rid of aphids on roses:

1) Cold Showers

Cold showers are unattractive to aphids. Therefore, to control aphids on roses, simply apply a large amount of cold water. The force of the water will wash the aphids off the roses. It is essential to repeat the trick several times; some aphids are gone after a single spray, but not all are gone instantly. After repeated applications, the aphids begin to look for a new home.

Tip: In addition to water showers, you can make a mixture of water and detergent, water and vinegar, or water, detergent, and denatured alcohol. This can then be sprayed on the roses to repel the aphids. These mixtures will not harm the roses.

2) Bad Odor Nuisance

Do you smoke? If so, you probably have an ashtray full of cigarette ashes somewhere. This is just another way to control aphids on roses. You put the cigarette ashes in a water container and bring it to a boil. Reduce the water a little and then allow it to cool again. Once the water has cooled completely, pour it into a plant sprayer and spray the roses.

If you use this method, it is not recommended on days when you will not be outside a lot. Tobacco ashes leave an unpleasant odor, so the garden may not be your favorite place for a while.

3) Fruits

Bananas are delicious and also healthy. It is a good idea to eat bananas once in a while. However, if you suffer from rose aphids, it is wise not to throw away the peel right away. They can be used as an insecticide. You have to place the peels on the ground under the roses. The rose aphids will be attracted to the sweet smell coming from the banana peel.

Tip: Aphid control on roses is especially effective with other methods. For example, first, place banana peels on the soil, then wash the rose aphids off with a cold shower. Discard the banana peels after a while, and you will no longer be bothered by aphids.

4) Attractive Plants

Aphid control on roses can be done by attracting insects. You can do this by building shelters in your garden or planting certain plants. One such plant that can be planted is the marigold.

This plant often grows in brightly colored borders, but it is also commonly found in and around vegetable gardens. However, it can also be planted among roses. Marigolds attract aphid-loving insects and are gorgeous plants, so it is a win-win situation.

Let us know if these few tips have helped you get rid of aphids on your roses in the comments below!