Question
I am having trouble with black spot and aphids I spray with Rose Pride Ortho I think every week and I'm still having trouble. I bought Orange oil for my Fire ant problem ,  It says it can be used as a folier Spray . Do you think it would be safe for my rosed? I have pets and am concerned about using pesticides .  

Answer
Hi Mary,
There is no chemical cure for infected plants. Once a plant is infected, the fungus will remain in the canes through the winter and reappear on the next season's growth. If symptoms appear, remove and destroy all infected leaves, including those on the ground. Do not water plants from above. To prevent black spot from infecting new plants, spray with a synthetic chemical fungicide once every ten days, starting in midspring.
Spray plants with an insecticide and apply a systemic insectide to the ground around the plants. The best way to remove a Fire ant, you had better use your hands. Good luck! Ken