Which insect is most commonly found damaging roses?

Thrips are small, slender insects that are notorious for causing damage to roses and many other plants. They feed by puncturing plant tissues and sucking out the sap, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including distorted leaves, discolored flowers, and an overall weakening of the plant. Their feeding can also make roses more susceptible to diseases, as the open wounds can serve as entry points for pathogens.

While beetles, spider mites, and whiteflies can also affect roses, thrips are the most common pest specifically known for their impact on healthy rose plants, particularly during the growing season when they reproduce quickly. Their small size and ability to hide in tight spaces such as buds and the undersides of leaves make them especially difficult to control, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management in rose cultivation.