Leaf cutter bees are a solitary insect. This means each nest is independent of others. However, it is most common to find several nests in close proximity of one another without conflict. Their territories can be quite extensive – over several acres – depending on local food and shelter. And since there are hundreds of species found throughout the lower 48 states of America, they can vary in color and size. Many look like common honey, bumble and carpenter bees but the one sure clue they’re leaf cutters is when you’re finding solitary nests with plant parts inside.
Leaf cutter bees will overwinter in prepupal and pupal stages. They are among the earliest if not the very first bee to begin pollinating. They are not too sensitive to bad weather and will readily work when most other bees will remain home in the comfort of their colonies. For this reason Leaf cutter bees are highly desirable – except when they’re damaging your plants!!
Leaf cutting bees can be a nuisance for gardeners when they damage ornamental plants and vegetables by cutting circular sections from leaves to build their nests. While they play an important role as pollinators, you may want to control their activity if it becomes excessive This article provides a comprehensive guide on effective methods to get rid of leaf cutting bees
Understanding Leaf Cutting Bees
Leaf cutting bees belong to the genus Megachile and are solitary bees active during summer months. They construct nests by cutting precise semi-circular pieces from leaves, especially roses, trees and shrubs. The female leaf cutting bee lines her nest with these leaf sections before laying eggs. Leaf cutter bees overwinter as larvae or pupae in their underground nests before emerging as adults in spring or early summer.
Despite the damage they cause to plant leaves, leaf cutting bees are valuable native pollinators Their nests are comprised of just a few cells and their colonies are much smaller than social bee species Leaf cutting bees have specialized hairs that enable them to carry large pollen loads, making them efficient pollinators.
Physical Removal and Modification
Manually removing and destroying affected leaves and stems with visible cutouts discourages leaf cutting bees from nesting on that plant. Sealing cracks, crevices and holes in fences, walls, wooden structures etc. eliminates potential nesting spots. Replace hollow plant stems in your garden with solid materials.
Prune away old dead wood rotting tree stumps and clear debris piles where bees may nest. Use a drill to create holes in a wooden bee house and hang it up to give the leaf cutting bees an alternative nesting site away from your plants.
Pesticides and Insecticides
Insecticidal sprays and dusts containing pyrethrins can kill leaf cutting bees. However, extreme caution must be exercised with pesticides to minimize harm to beneficial pollinators. Consult a professional to identify target-specific and eco-friendly options.
Apply insecticides in the evening when bees are least active. Never spray open flowers and avoid systemic pesticides that spread throughout the plant. Always carefully follow label directions. Integrated pest management utilizing multiple low-risk methods is recommended over sole reliance on insecticides.
Physical Barriers
Row covers, fabric screens or netting can be installed as barriers to keep leaf cutting bees away from precious ornamentals like roses. Support structures may be required to avoid crushing plants. Barriers need occasional removal for plant health. Smaller plants can be temporarily covered with mesh bags or cheesecloth.
Traps
Simple DIY traps made of hollow bamboo tubes, wood blocks with drilled holes or cardboard tubes can attract and trap leaf cutting bees. Place them near nesting sites and damaged plants. Monitor the traps regularly to empty out and relocate trapped bees. Avoid using pesticide-laced traps which may harm beneficial insects.
Natural Repellents
Garlic, hot pepper wax, neem oil and essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree can be used as natural repellents against leaf cutting bees. Mix with water and spray directly on vulnerable plant leaves for temporary protection. Reapply weekly as the effects wear off.
Adding repellent plants like basil, tansy or pennyroyal nearby may also deter bees. Introduce predator species to naturally control bee populations.
Maintain Bee-Friendly Areas
Allow leaf cutting bees to nest in designated bee-friendly zones in your yard with suitable nesting sites. Provide wildflowers, herbs and other attractive flowering plants in these areas to divert the bees away from prized ornamental plants. Avoid disturbing established nests to prevent bees from resettling elsewhere in your garden.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the leaf cutting bee infestation cannot be resolved through DIY methods, contact a professional pest control expert. Licensed exterminators have the expertise and tools to safely remove bees and treat substantial infestations. They can also provide preventative treatments to keep bee populations under control. Though expensive, professional bee removal may become essential in certain cases.
Leaf cutting bees occasionally require control to prevent excessive damage, especially to ornamental plants. A combination of mechanical exclusion, pesticides, repellents, traps and modifying bee behavior offers the best chance for long-term management. With some diligence and patience, leaf cutting bees can be managed without eliminating them entirely, allowing them to continue providing valuable pollination services. A balanced, eco-friendly approach helps nurture a garden ecology with space for both human and bee needs.
WHERE DO LEAF CUTTER BEE NEST?
Leaf cutter bees will readily nest on any structure which presents a prime location. One of the more common locations they like are the weep holes found around windows and doors. Such weep holes are common on brick homes but are used more today then ever as a way to help keep moisture from rotting the structure. Furthermore, builders will commonly use tubing in these weep holes which leaf cutter bees love! They will readily find such tubing and quickly nest in it. When sealed, the tubing will cease to function causing moisture and water problems for the building
LEAFCUTTER BEES ARE GENERALLY BENEFICIAL
In fact, leaf cutter bees are so desirable many gardeners and farmers actively install LEAF CUTTER BEE HOUSES around their property. Hang them on fence posts or trees and you too can attract them to your land.
Nesting bees will work the landscape in and around your property insuring healthy pollination. With Honey Bee populations declining, the installation of these homes can have a big impact on local plants.
Furthermore, making leafcutter houses readily available around the yard, they will help reduce nesting activity on your house!
How to Get Rid of Leafcutter Bees
FAQ
What attracts leaf cutter bees?
Provide Food Sources: Plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous food supply. Leafcutter bees are especially attracted to legumes, sunflowers, and other native plants. Opt for single, open-faced flowers, which are easier for bees to access.
How to get rid of leaf cutter bug?
The best method is to watch for early mound development and drench them with a non-repellent insecticide like Dominion 2L. Drenching or spraying the mounds with Dominion 2L or Conquer is the best way to kill out the Leafcutter ants.
How long are leaf cutter bees active?
Leafcutter bees are only active in your garden for about 4-6 weeks, beginning in summer.
Do leaf cutter bees cause damage?
Since they rarely cause damage, just marvel at the precise cuts these insects make to leaves and flower petals.
How do you get rid of leaf cutter bees?
Trapping leaf cutter bees can be an effective way to reduce their population. Simple DIY traps can be made using materials like bamboo or paper tubes. Place the traps near the affected plants to attract the bees. Once the bees enter the tubes, you can carefully remove and relocate them away from your garden.
How do I remove a bee stinger?
Using a piece of gauze, your fingernail, or another instrument, you may scrape across the stinger to dislodge it from your skin. It is also possible to remove the stinger using tweezers or your fingernail. Acting soon is crucial.
Should leaf cutter bees be killed?
Answer: Leaf cutter bees are important pollinators that contribute significantly to the ecosystem. Killing them would reduce pollination in your garden, affecting the growth and health of flowering plants. It’s more beneficial to redirect their activity rather than eliminate them. How do I prevent leaf cutter bees from damaging specific plants?
Should I get a leaf cutter bee removal service?
If your leaf cutter bee infestation persists or becomes overwhelming, it may be time to seek professional help. Experienced pest control specialists or bee removal services can provide tailored solutions based on the severity of the infestation and your specific circumstances.
How do I get rid of bees in my garden?
Choose plants that provide abundant nectar and pollen sources for bees, such as lavender, salvia, or coneflowers. By focusing the bee activity on these alternative flowers, you can minimize the impact on other plants in your garden. Trapping leaf cutter bees can be an effective way to reduce their population.
Do leaf cutter bees sting?
Leaf cutter bees just don’t sting easily. My friend got stung by one when we were driving and it blew in the window. He picked it up and played with it, and it was a bit injured. He is an entomologist and interested in how intense stings are. This bee stung him on the finger and he said it was about 1/10th of an average bee sting.