I was deadheading and treating my roses for black spot yesterday when I found this Tussock Moth Caterpillar.
Of course, he’d brought his friends to the picnic.
As you can see, he wasn’t feasting on the leaf with black spot. He’d chosen a healthy one. Left in peace, he could have defoliated my rose. I plucked him off and squished him. This caterpillar doesn’t bite or sting but those spiked hairs on his back will imbed in skin and are irritating. I will be spending some time today evicting these unwelcome guests.
Nutsrok 
What about the friend? Was it the same type?
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Sure was.
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Wow, that’s a gnarly lookin’ critter! I don’t think we have those rascals in my neck of the woods.
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Probably too hot and dry!
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Or cool and wet. Something they don’t like, anyway. Could be the mountain ranges in the way! ;-)
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I see aphids on roses. I tried water but am not quite lucky.
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I use good soapy water to spray on roses and milkweed.
Aphids on Roses? How to Get Rid of Them Safely | Garden Design
HOW TO GET RID OF APHIDS ON ROSES
Spray water. Apply a moderately strong spray of water to dislodge pests. …
Use soap. A solution of water and soap is an effective pest control that can be used to kill aphids on your rose bushes. …
Apply neem oil. …
Introduce insect predators. …
Attract birds.
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I am trying soapy water but not much luck. Shall check neem oil.
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It may take a few tries.
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Oh my….they look very pretty but????
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I found 10 on my roses today.
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Time for a killing spree……
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Yesterday, I went through my roses branch by branch. I found and extinguished ten more. It wasn’t as bad as I feared. I will have to check daily for a while. I don’t want to use insecticide because of my birds and butterflies. I feed the birds and plant to attract hummers and butterflies. I have dewberries, strawberries, and mulberries for the critters. I have enough grapes for us, the deer, raccoons, birds and plenty left for wine. However, I don’t share the wine.
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It sounds like a wonderful garden. I can imagine sitting there with you enjoying the beauty and a glass of wine:) x
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I will post pictures of hen I get it all tied together. Tomorrow I mulch my roses and plant five hydrangeas.! Soon it will be to hot to languish about. I wish you could. We had a picnic outdoors yesterday.
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We are having a mini heatwave….i.e. 75 degrees and we are all very hot:) Enjoy your good weather.xx
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We are in the eighties. Nineties are on the way. I dread that.
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I agree….since climate change took hold we are experiencing 90 degree weather every now and then, and I hate it. ….. xx
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July and August are miserable in Louisiana. Many days over 100 degrees. I just don’t enjoy being out. I grew up on a farm. I dreaded summer. We worked out in that heat. Daddy knew how to manage. We wore sun hats. He made sure we took frequent water breaks. We wore cloth tton clothes. Once they were sweat- soaked they cooled you a bit. It was still awful.
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I can only imagine. Having grown up in England where it was always cool….even in the height of summer…I find heat quite difficult. When I lived in the States I hated the heat and the. dreaded humidity!! I learned early on to take things one day at a time…and pray for cool weather:)xx
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As I do today. I focus on the outdoors early in the morning. If the weather is decent, I ditch indoor plans.
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Once again you and I are on the same page:)
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I think we always are!
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You are brave :)
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No. I had gloves on.
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Still!
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Wow!
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Amazing photos.
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Thanks.
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