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This insect is one of my worst garden enemies next to Japanese Beetles. They are literally uncontrollable once they arrive from below the soil surface. They spend their time as adults mating and eating, primarily in that order. They seem to know when the 'time is right' for emerging from the soil, since roses, irises and peonies are all in bloom during their arrival. Carbaryl (Sevin) does in fact kill them upon contact, however, it also kills beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies! So I do not spray the flowers themselves for this reason. I am not sure what effect it has on hummingbirds, but it cannot be good! I know there are others out there who undoubtedly have these insects devouring their flowers, since they are prevalent east of the Rocky Mountains.
The following information is taken from the University Of Minnesota Extension Service, and is written by Doug S. Foulk, Entomology Technician. The link for this page is: Hyperlink should someone care to read more about this pest. The next four paragraphs are texts taken from this link, and are enclosed in brackets and quotation marks to credit the extension service and Mr. Foulk.
["The rose chafer is a beetle commonly found east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. It feeds upon numerous plant types, including flowers (particularly roses as well as flowers such as peony and dahlia) and fruits (e.g., grape, raspberry, and strawberry). It will also feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs. Although the beetle may feed on foliage or fruit, it is most strongly attracted to blossoms and is frequently found attacking flowers in the garden. This feeding results in large, irregular holes in the affected plant part.
An adult rose chafer is a fairly small (less than ½-inch), narrow beetle, usually pale green to tan in color with reddish-brown legs. Because the rose chafer requires sandy soil for egg-laying purposes, plants located on sandy sites are most likely to be attacked. The adult beetles normally appear in May or June in Minnesota. They feed on plant material for 3 or 4 weeks, lay eggs in the soil, then die shortly thereafter. The eggs hatch in 1 to 2 weeks, and the small, white, grub-like larvae which result feed upon the roots of grasses and weeds. The larvae overwinter in the soil.
Handpicking is the best control for small numbers of rose chafers. If larger numbers are present, treat plants with one of the following insecticides: diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin), methoxychlor, or rotenone. These chemicals will kill the beetles present at the time of application, but may not prevent additional rose chafers from attempting to feed on treated plants. Always follow label directions when using any pesticide. Be sure any insecticide you plan to purchase is labeled for the plants you intend to treat.
Erecting a temporary cheesecloth barrier stretching around and slightly higher than the affected plants may offer some control. Rose chafers seldom fly over the barrier and onto the plants even though the barrier is open at the top. The barrier can then be taken down after the feeding phase of the beetle has been completed."]
Entries and Updates
Jun 9, 2006
This picture shows a rose chafer sitting at the top of a White Rose Of York flower. Although it appears an innocent looking critter, it ranks right up there with the Japanese Beetle as a destructive eating machine! Other entries in this journal and category will clearly show the damage a horde of these insects can do in a one-day period! I am surprised I rarely hear about this from other gardeners: Surely I am not alone in this fight!
Jun 9, 2006
This one has begun to devour the stamens of the flower.
Jun 9, 2006
This picture dramatically shows the destruction caused by these insects in a 24-hour period! In this case, they have attacked an entire shrub rose, 'Lillian Gibson' an antique rose. This cluster of blooms was a crisp, refreshing and healthy display- until they attacked!
Jun 9, 2006
In this picture a clear identity of this insect is unmistakable. It's spindly legs are reddish brown, while the wing covers are a tan/light brown as is the thorax. The insect at the bottom shows the underbelly features with a grey/white color. An ant at left is apparently on the flower for nectar. The rose here is a Damask shrub rose 'Madame Hardy' which is intensely fragrant.
