Can't get rid of green fly

[Plump82]

Ive had a indoor rose that's taken very little care over the last 6 years (got it as a present, I am not green fingered at all) every year I've had gorgeous huge roses but this year it's absolutely covered in green fly. I had 2 rose that have since died off and one bud which barely opened and looks wilted and shriveled. I've bought bug killer for rose gnats and also tried diluted washing up liquid but I just can't get rid of the buggers.
Does anyone have any miracle suggestions?

Have you tried rose clear. It’s good for black spot aswell

I'd actually agree. Acetamiprid is both a contact and systemic insecticide with a high volatility, so it's a win-win.

As it is a neonicitinpid though, don't use it outside as these have been strongly linked to significant numbers of bee deaths (CCD).

If you fancy a cleaner option, you could try to find some ladybirds... or you can buy some lacewing larvae, but indoors these are not great as they walk/fly off. Parasitic wasps like Aphidius ervi would work, but can take a while. Aphidoletes (a type of fly) is the best, but these don't work indoors (in houses at least). Biologically I'd err on lacewing larvae, you could tip the rest elsewhere on other plants... (website: "Dragonfli")

Sadly for one rose. No real cheap options apart from the soap water you've already tried.

Not a huge fan of the idea of bringing larvae into the house tbh.
I've been using plant guard but will buy some rose clear seeing as you both suggest it. I don't have a garden so no issues with using it outside. I do have cats though, could that be a problem? The plant guard is safe as long as it's dried so I keep them away from it for a good few hours while it dries down.

I'd consider the general health of your rose as I invariably find that infestations are often linked with poor health of a plant, not just roses. When a plant is vigorous in its growing habit and the foliage is lush and plentiful with abundance of flowers it can fight off insect attacks.

Can you take corrective action in addition to ridding it of greenfly such as

• repot it in pristine compost , water well
• feed it once it has settled in the new pot
• inspect it and remove any dead and ailing foliage.

If all else fails you may need to face the fact that a 6 year old rose could be getting to the end of its normal life span especially an indoor one. I know people have roses for decades but I find that 6 -10 years max is the peak time and then they can get tired and woody and past their best.

Ah I didn't realise that roses could be near they're end between 6 & 10 years. Such a shame as it's done so well and as I say the first 2 roses were huge and smelled gorgeous. So I assumed fairly healthy. I repotted it last year as it was outgrowing it's pot it was in but happy to give that a go as well.

I've tried this myself with a pelargonium and suggested it on a couple of other threads. You could try filling a large container with cool water and mixing in some washing up liquid then inverting the plant and dunking all the top growth for a few seconds. I see it as just like spraying with washing up liquid but no danger of missing a few bits.