Japanese Beetles

Proper planting is no guarantee that roses will continue to thrive, especially if Japanese beetles are in the neighborhood.  Japanese beetles are those winged copper and green critters you want to take a baseball bat out on.  

They are the most devastating of insects munching on whole flowers and reducing leaves to mere lacy ghosts. 

A variety of techniques can be used for controlling Japanese beetles.  For the less squeamish, smacking them with a tennis racket then stomping on them makes for an afternoon of fun. 

Or, in the early morning spread a light colored cloth or tarp beneath a rose bush and gently shake the plant.  When the groggy pests fall onto the cloth put them in a jar then nuke in the microwave for a couple of minutes or fill the jar with water - they're not good swimmers.

Pheromone traps are a popular method for Japanese beetle control.  You can get these from your local nursery.