[CH] Leaf cutters
Dave Anderson (Chilehead@tough-love.com)
Sat, 19 Jun 1999 09:50:26 -0700
Here in Nevada, the agriculture department refuses to do anything
about leaf cutter bees. While they do cut symmetrical circles out of
leaves, mainly roses, they are the pollinator for alfalfa, which along
with garlic and potatoes is a major crop.
While the leaves may not look pretty, the bees will not take enough
tissue to harm the plant. They also will pollinate your blossoms.
Since mites have decimated the wild honey bee population, leaf
cutters and bumbles and some others are all that we have left to do
this important job.
> Hello all-
> Anyone got a good cure for leaf-cutter bees? I've tried garlic, soap,
> stink tea, etc. The bees cut out over fifty circles on one plant in two
> days. Don't want to use poisons if I don't have to, I have a major colony
> of ladybugs, eggs and larvae on my plants. I caught one of the bees in
> the act and ended her career, but little circles are still disappearing at
> a fairly alarming rate.
Dave Anderson
Tough Love Chile Co.
http://www.Tough-Love.com
Chilehead@Tough-Love.com