This news item expired on Monday, June 30, 2014 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
It's that time of year - watch out for rose aphids!
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.