They are aphids.

Thanks, I was afraid that's what they were. I've gone many years without them on climbing roses and 2-3 years with two bushes I got in 2020 or 2021. I finally got them. I'm going to use neem oil. Does that sound right?

No, do a combo of smushing them with your fingers and blasting them off with a hose.

I spray with water and a good squishing

I wish I still had ladybugs. I never see them anymore. I don't use any insecticides. I don't even use weed killers.

I don't see dragonflies anymore and few butterflies. Neighbors all against birds, squirrels, most anything that isn't grass. I wonder if one or more neighbors have one of those bird deterrent devices because there are so few this year. I do see rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons. Well, I got off on a tangent there. It's just sad I see so much fewer birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs.

Yay! Today I looked at the aphid-infested buds on the rose bush and I spied a lady bug! And a lot fewer aphids. Go ladybug go. Maybe it has friends and family that I didn't see.