Holes in New Dawn Rose Buds: Rose Midge Damage

A 2nd-year 'New Dawn' in NJ has many buds with small holes bored into them. No visible insects. Gardener asks cause and cure.

Rose Midge: The Tiny Bud Borer

Female midges bore a hole at the bud base and lay eggs inside. Larvae hatch and feed, destroying the bud or causing brown, deformed flowers.

Confirm & Treat

1. Open a holed bud. Look for tiny white larvae or eggs.
2. If present: Use a rose insecticide labeled for midge (systemic preferred). No organic control works—they're too small and protected inside buds.
3. Critical: Spray all buds and soil around base—adults hide/pupate there.

Other Possibilities

• Passing insect (beetle, caterpillar) taking a bite.
• Birds pecking buds.

But multiple buds with neat holes = classic midge signature. Treat promptly to save the bloom season.