Yes, I got lax in my examining my roses within the last month or so. I knew before today that I will have to resume a spray schedule next year, not for Rose Midge Fly, but for season long Saw Fly damage which in past years was of little consequence since I inadvertently controlled the Saw Fly as I sprayed for Rose Midge Fly.

Today, it has pretty much been confirmed that the growth tip damage I am currently seeing is a very recent return (early August), of my old enemy, Rose Midge Fly.

Was I a fool to think that after a nearly 30 year battle with the R.M.F., no respite, all season long, year after year, that last year's sudden absence of this loathsome creature would not continue forever?

I am now better equipped to battle the RMF having a battery powered sprayer in my arsenal. I thought the sprayer could be retired since my goal of transitioning my rose bed to only black spot resistant/free roses (the level of Knock Out resistant ability), has been pretty much achieved, fungicide applications being a thing of the past.

So, spraying for Rose Midge Fly must resume. At least the Saw Fly will be controlled at the same time.

My consolation though, is that there are many older rose gardeners who have been combating Rose Midge Fly longer than I have. Some of them are exhibitors who struggle more aggressively than what I learned was adequate for me (a less intense approach than theirs), to keep their roses show ready.

Moseeos.