Mike wrote:

I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that you're not going
to hurt the fauna you're fond of. That's because of the bad news:
there's no IPM for stem sawflies, i.e. no way to treat stem sawflies
other than pruning, *unless* you're comfortable using a systemic
insecticide. There are reasons not to do that, mostly having to do with
spider mites. Rose stem sawflies get some buds every year, but not many
of them. Spider mites are considered the much greater risk to roses,
and the use of systemic insecticides is thought to suppress spider mite
predators. I'm guessing that's because most systemic insecticides have
both systemic and contact action, but I don't know for sure as I never
use them.

I had sawflies before I began using Orthenx, and do not have it now.
Moreover, I do not and have NEVER had spider mites. Go to the Ortho.com
page and read about Orthenex. It does not have a contact insecticide. It
works systemically. There is now a miticide added to it, as well. The
latter addition is a fairly recent development. There is no reason to
allow sawflie damage in your garden, Mike. I have been using this stuff
for three or four years--and contrary to the Chicken Little people, I have
earthworms, lady bugs, bees, etc. I do not have spider mites, and in fact
have no insect damage at all save thrips. Surely there are others who have
the same experience.

Weeeell, that is good news/bad news. I'll do a little research and see if
they have natural enemies or if you can see the eggs and pick them off,
etc. I wonder why I've never seen the damage before? Maybe they get so
few
buds I just never noticed. Hopefully. g It sounds like using an
isecticide is a cure worse than the disease, though.

NOT. Do your research.