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Leafcutter bees
Osakazuki
Posts: 11
Hi,
I was checking my japanese maples (for aphids) today and was quite shocked to see a couple of bees flying off, each with part of a leaf. There are small circular holes in a few leaves, so these little fellows are the prime suspects.
I know the benefit that bees bring to the garden but don't really want them chewing all my plants. Anyone had experience of these and any ideas how i could prevent them damaging my maples? (without damaging the bees!)
0
Posts
Once they've built their nest they won't bother you any more.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Agree with Nutcutlet,they will only trouble you for a short while,and although irriataing to find circular holes in leaves they are quite entertaining.
Thanks for the replies, I thought they wouldn't pose much of a threat. I agree it is quite entertaining watching them fly off with a big chunk of leaf in their undercarriage. I think they are making home in the garden a couple of doors down. They're pretty skilfill at cutting a perfect eliptical hole as well.
I spend my time going round looking for insects to admire how they work.
In the sticks near Peterborough
It really would be sad to begrudge the bees a few leaves.