Question
We have a small farm near Jackson, Michigan (zone 5)  We have full sun and sandy soil and, for the first time, I am able to grow roses.  However, also for the first time, we have encountered rose chafers.  We try to garden organically and do not want to use chemicals which will harm butterflies and beneficial insects.  We have tried milky spore and handpicking but the area is too large for these methods to be very effective.  I have Neem but I have been hesitant to use it.  Do you have any suggestions to control the chafers?  Most people I talk to (including local experts) have never seen a rose chafer.  Guess we're just lucky.  Thank you for any ideas you might have.                           Zo Chisnell  

Answer
From the description (full sun and sandy soil) you have the ideal situation for rose chafers. These bugs are related to the Japanese Beetles, which by the way are also hard to get rid of. When you go to war it is a wisdom to get to know the enemy. Here is a good web site that tells you all about these insects.
http://www.sactorose.org/ipm/84rosechafers.htm
For an organic approach, you can wrap a piece of gause around the rose or even Remay material (the type that keeps weeds down but lets in air) does the job. Apparently these bugs will not fly over the material even if there if the top is not covered. Here is another site for you.
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/flowers/RoseChafers.htm
Now you will know everything there is about rose chafers. Hope this helps. Lynnette