Recognize and distribute sustainably

Rose petal wasp life cycle

Females of Rose petal wasp lay their eggs on the edge of the rose petal, usually not more than two to three eggs per leaf. The adult then pricks the midrib of the leaf, see above that this curls up. The larvae hatch between April and June and eat the rose petals, so that they die off as a result of the damage and finally fall off. In autumn, the larvae bury themselves in the earth around the rose to pupate there over the cold season. In the next spring, new rose wasps appear, which in turn lay eggs on the rose - the cycle starts all over again. Infested roses usually do not die, but they are very unsightly to look at.

Treatment and prevention

It is important to start treatment as early as possible to contain the spread. Begin as early as the leaf shoots in April to regularly check the rose petals carefully for rolling marks.

Remove leaves

Infested leaves should be removed immediately.

• Cut this off directly on the rose bush.
• Don't leave a single rolled leaf on the rose!
• It is better to remove one more sheet than too little.
• Use clean, sharp scissors.
• This should definitely be disinfected after use.
• Dispose of the clippings with household waste, never on the compost.
• The pest also develops on the compost.

Promote natural enemies

Fortunately, the rose petal wasp has many natural enemies that can attack a animal-friendly management of the garden like to settle and the pest (as well as others Fight rose pests). Mainly birds (especially the blue tit), but also hedgehogs, shrews and insects like Parasitic wasps,(€ 69.90 at Amazon *) Ground beetles, soft beetles and spiders like to eat the pest and thus help to contain an infestation in a completely natural way. The prerequisite, however, is to design the garden close to nature.

• Set up insect hotels near the roses.
• Small stone walls with holes in them also attract various beneficial insects.
• Hedgehogs and mice feel particularly at home in piles of leaves and brushwood.
• Feed the birds in winter, but stop feeding when the leaves begin to shoot.

Only use pesticides if the infestation is very severe

Close-to-nature management also includes the Use of pesticides to avoid as much as possible - these not only affect the pests, but also the desired livestock. This measure should only be considered in the case of a very strong infestation by the rose petal wasp that cannot otherwise be contained. Ask your specialist retailer for suitable and approved agents that can then be sprayed not only on the plant itself, but also on the soil in late winter. The treatment is repeated in the spring, if you spray the underside of the leaves before they are rolled up.