Hi there again. Sorry I have never used this product. If it is not oil based it probably would be ok to use late in the evening, but I have never tried it. If the sawfly damage is not extensive you may want to just hold off, roses will always get some damage from one thing or another. It is not always necessary to start spraying right away. If it really bothers you, then spray it when the temps cool in the evening.

If the larvae aren't there it's too late to spray. They've already fallen to the ground to pupate.

Hi Diane and Vaporvac! Reporting back...today I went out and took a second look with my trusty magnifying glass..the eyes aren't what they used to be :-) I did find on 3 bottom leaves, eggs and very, tiny larvae. I sprayed all the leaves with the garden hose to get them off. Normally, on my established roses, I spray them and the aphids off, and do not have too much of a problem. It is because this is a newly planted young bush, with not many leaves, that has me concerned. The rose bush needs leaves. I feel I need to stay on top of this.

Iowa State Univ. states "When spraying, be sure to spray both sides of the leaf and the ground below the plant as the larvae pupate in the soil prior to overwintering." I was considering looking for an insecticidal soap and spraying that on the ground too. Any thoughts on that? Or recommendations?

Vaporvac, I think that is a good suggestion. I have been reading and many sites do recommend that. I really try to avoid any insecticide use, except for thrips. Nothing gets rid of them for me except for the Bayer, which is why I only spot spray and why I don't have any of the other products on hand. I am going out this afternoon and try to locate some. I have found supplies at my local garden centers are low this year due to Covid 19. Thank you!

RR, where do you live? (You can add that info with your zone next to your name if you like.) Last Fall they had spinosad at a store called Bargain Hunt 1/2 price for $10. While I dithered about it researching, they marked it down to $1!!!, at which point I bought it all. It doesn't expire so perhaps call this store if you have any nearby. With Covid, they may still have some left. If not the bottle lasts a long time.

Vaporvac - I live approximately 60 miles west of Philadelphia. I googled the store- "Bargain Hunt Stores are currently located in six states: Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky and Indiana". Hubby and I stopped at 2 places today and they did not have any. Since this was at the end of another errand we were doing today, he didn't want to stop at anymore places. Though, I did run a check at Lowes online, and I might be able to find some there tomorrow. It seems that not only toilet paper and Bounty are still difficult to buy, the flower inventories at my favorite nurseries are short of flowers, particularly roses. I am going to try Lowes. My husband told me when he was at Home Depot they didn't have as many flowers. This has been a heck of a year!

Well, they are in southwest Ohio, but maybe not as far east as you. : ( It's a major brand so I'm sure you can find it. It's useful for other insects also, but be sure to follow the direction for frequency of use.

Which brand of spinosad did you purchase? Also, did you spray it on the ground?

Sorry, to be a wet blanket, but spinosad has never worked for me, but I was using it on thrips. Diane

Diane, those thrips are a die-hard bunch! It is why I have been forced to bring out the heavy guns of the the Bayer Insecticide. But, I only buy the spray bottle, so I can spot spray. I have a real problem with thrips where I live. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the spinosad works. I would like to try anything less poisonous. I'll try to remember to send you an update, if you accept messages.