What to Do with These ‘Growths’ on New York Roses

With summer in the rearview mirror, many Hudson Valley residents may be wishing that the fall season would mean a break from garden pests. Despite the temperature dip, however, many of the most destructive species are still alive and well.

There are a litany of pests, mites, and unsightly growths to watch out for on New York plant life. From maple trees that grow spikes to the "exploding hearts" found on certain cedars, the list feels ever-growing. Unfortunately, that includes one of the most famous nemeses of gardeners across New York.

Garden Pests on Hudson Valley Roses

The most helpful way to avoid the pest that loves to suck the life out of local plants (including roses) is to watch out for early signs of an infestation before it gets out of control. Here's how sticky leaves and yellowjackets can help identify the problem.

Active Aphids During New York Autumn

The pest in question, the aphid, doesn't discriminate when it comes to which plants they infest. They feed by extracting plant sap from its host, and can be found on leaves on plants ranging from tomato to rose (above). The first thing to notice is "honeydew".

Identifying Aphids on New York Garden Plants

Honeydew is the artfully-branded name given to the sticky excretion from aphids (otherwise knows as their waste, above). Its high sugar content makes it sticky and attracts insects like ants and yellow jackets who use the "honeydew" as a food source.

Read More: The ‘Beautiful but Invasive’ Tree Causing Problems in New York

While aphids can be found across New York gardens, they may be particularly attracted to roses thanks to the high sugar content of their sap. Luckily, there are a few natural treatments to consider.

Cleaning affected leaves with soapy water can be enough to remove and kill aphids, and even spraying plants with a hose can have a similar effect (just don't spray hard enough to damage the plant). Products like neem oil have also been observed to be effective.