BeneficialRose aphid
Hoverflies for rose aphid
Syrphidae · wild predator (larvae)
Against rose aphid
UC IPM calls syrphid fly larvae important predators of aphids on roses. It adds that they are very common on roses, and that in most of California the aphids are a major problem for only about six weeks in spring and early summer, before summer heat reduces them. Hose colonies off early in the day rather than spraying, keep ants off the canes, and grow flowers nearby.
RateWild — attract adults with open flowers
TimingSpring and early summer, during the rose aphid peak
Before you act
The adults are the striped, hovering flies on open flowers; the larvae are legless, slug-like maggots that eat aphids inside the colony. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Hoverflies profile.
Other controls for rose aphid
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release — conserve the ones already there
- Aphidoletes aphidimyzaPredatory midge · 1–10 /m² per release, weekly
- Soldier beetlesWild predator (larvae; some adults) · Wild — conserve; leave the beetles on the roses