Silver Trails and Holes on Rose Leaves: Rose Slugs or Garden Slugs

Silver trails turning into holes on your new rose bushes indicate slug-family pests—rose slugs (sawfly larvae) or garden slugs.

Identification

• Rose slugs: Green caterpillar-like larvae on leaf undersides, skeletonize leaves
• Garden slugs: Nocturnal, slime trails, irregular holes

Controls

Garden slugs: Any slug bait around base (iron phosphate = pet-safe)

Rose slugs: Horticultural oil spray on foliage (smothers larvae)

Broad spectrum: Ortho or Bayer rose pest sprays (both pests)

Timing

Rose slugs appear spring/early summer. Garden slugs favor damp conditions. Your August timing suggests possible second-generation rose slugs or persistent garden slugs.

Monitor at night with flashlight. Treat specifically. Your roses will recover quickly—established bushes tolerate defoliation well.