Roses – Sawflies

Q: Will neem oil work to kill sawflies on my roses?

A: Sawfly larvae can quickly riddle a rose leaf. The “worms” chew the leaves and leave characteristic holes. Neem oil, spinosad and insecticidal soap are all good organic means of control. Apply as early as you can in the morning or late in the evening to miss the beneficial insects that are present. If you’re an early riser, simply turning rose leaves to examine the backside will usually reveal the sawfly larvae at work, where they can be squished with your fingers.