Question
Just returned from vacation and found my knock out roses completely eaten up with some sort of bug.  They look horribly!  It's very hot here (well over 90) and the two different sprays I have say not to use in temps over 90.  What can I use and how much should I cut them back if at all?

Answer
Hi Carol,

My first guess is Japanese Beetles.  They can really mess up a rose plant very quickly.  You should see them in the middle of the flower.  They are about the size of a dime.  Please make sure this is what you have as the chemical needed to kill them does not know a 'good' bug from a 'bad' bug.

Here is what I suggest. Make sure your roses are well watered before spraying. Find some liquid Orothene(brand name) or acephate (chemical name).  Spray the roses well and follow up with the spray about every two to three days. Please make sure you read the label.  It will take several applications to get rid of them.  

If you are sure it is Japanese Beetles,  I also suggest treating the ground next spring with a grub killer.   The ground is where the beetles lay their eggs and the grubs grown in ground until they form the beetles.

Good luck as they are nasty little things.

Jay