This news item expired on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Aphids are showing up on rosebushes in Raleigh, a little early but we in the mountains can’t be far behind.
Aphids can be managed with horticultural soaps or oils and there are a number of different insecticides labeled for aphids available to the home gardeners. One of the most common chemicals is imidacioprid.
However research shows that systemic neonicotinoids like imidacloprid can be harmful to pollinators that ingest pollen and nectar. Please consider other options before drenching any plants, particularly blooming plants, with these insecticides.
For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.