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.