I've had the same experience and I believe in my case it's been grasshopper since I've seen the little varmints sitting near the tops of taller roses where the leaves have been eaten off. It usually is the leaves and not the flowers. (I guess they believe in getting plenty of greens in their diet.)

When I spot them I pick them off and cut them in half or twist their heads off without the slightest remorse.

Ingrid

This is grasshopper and Katydid season. Both of which ravage the growth tips of the roses. They're unsightly but the roses will bounce back. Hopefully, you will find some of the buggers and can whack them in half with your clippers. If not, perhaps some birds will find them? I don't spray for them, though I would love finding something to wipe them from the face of my hill. Let the predators have them, except for those I get to cut in half! VERY satisfying! Kim

Dratted computer ate my answer! What time of day would I expect to see the grasshoppers? I've seen maybe two or three of them out on the deck and in the driveway, at least a week ago, but none so far on the roses, but I'll admit to not looking on the roses much, aside from wondering what the hell was eating all the leaf tips! How long does grasshopper and katydid season last? If I'm going to decapitate them, I'll need to wear my gloves - I'm too squeamish to do it bare handed!

I see them any daylight hour I'm outside. Most are green so they blend in well, but some are also shades of tan or gray. Grab your clippers, find one, then carefully, slowly sneak up on the danged thing with the clippers and cut it in half. Sounds gross but it works. Sometimes, you can actually grab them securely with the clippers. Then, you get the pleasure of slipping it under your foot to step on it. Works every time with no damage to the environment or beneficials. Costs no money, either. Kim

I hand water and often find them when I'm spraying the roses with water and the grasshoppers jump up and land someplace else. I pay attention to where they go and follow them, clippers in hand.

Go out an hour or so after sunset with a flashlight and look for Katydids. Also look for Katydid eggs on stems--cut off stem and put in trash.