Roses – Kill The Bugs But Not The Bees

solarizing soil wildflowers

Q: What can I spray for bugs on my roses instead of systemic insecticides that kill honeybees?

A: It’s true that systemic insecticides can harm bees, but despite the brouhaha over their use, insecticides are not the only cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Mites, poor management, less diverse bee genetics, and exposure to pesticides other than systemic insecticides each play a major role. If you want to use fewer chemicals on your roses, consider bio-rational insecticides like neem oil and give them a forceful water spray each week. More details on CCD at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/colony-collapse-disorder/.

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