Types

• Spider mites are sucking pests that have eight legs and are members of the spider family. These tiny mites are a common pest of roses. Spider mites are difficult to see, but are usually red, brown or black in color. Nematodes are small, microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and are a serious and damaging pest of roses. Root knot nematodes such as Melioidogyne halpa, are the most common species of nematodes seen in roses. Damaging populations of root knot nematodes are usually seen in warm, moist sandy soils. Aphids are also known as plant lice and are found on a variety of plants and flowers, including roses. These insects have soft pear-shaped bodies and are often bright colors such as yellow or red but are also found in black and brown.