Rose infestation

[Chef_uk]

I've been spraying them with soapy water yet they seem to be returning days later. Last year they were decimated by small caterpillars so i'm determined to get it right this year but where am i going wrong

[Two_Sheds]

It looks like the soap is damaging the leaves (it should be a weak solution of soft soap, not Fairy. "Soft Soap is a pure non-toxic biodegradable fatty acid soap produced from pure vegetable oil"). Nip the worst ones off. Also nip off any that are too badly infested for squishing.

They will come back, it's what they're designed to do: you're growing their favourite food

How is your natural balance? Have you got plenty of ladybirds & hoverflies? If not, plant foods to attract those (calendula & lilies are popular)

[FB.]

A friend of mine once asked:
"What is the best way to deal with aphids?"

Someone replied:
"Plant some roses to lure the aphids away"

My friend said:
"It's the roses that I'm trying to clear of aphids!"

[Chef_uk]

lol

Hoverflies, not sure. We had lots of them last year but i thought they were sawflies not hoverflies as the tiny caterpillars were feeding on the leaves and would arch up in to an S shape when disturbed.

Ladybirds, the odd one or two. So i need to look in to attracting those two predators then? Will do some research