Holes in my roses
"Tom Warner" wrote in message
...
Something is chewing perfectly circular holes 8-12mm diameter in the
leaves
of my roses.
Any ideas anyone
Thanks
Tom
I was just about to post something similar, but I knew exactly what was
causing the holes - Leafcutter bees. Google search for Megachile - loads of
info around.
They're lovely little non-agressive creatures, and they are apparently
stunningly good pollinators.
We had one last year, nesting in a small hole in the mortar. This year I
was more prepared - there's a palatial block of iroko screwed to the back
wall with about 60 holes drilled in it (5 & 8mm, about 15cm deep) & a bunch
of canes under a sloping "roof".
There'd been a little bit of interest from a few bees about 2 weeks ago, but
then things went quiet. I was beginning to dispair, when today I saw 3
different leafcutters popping in and out of the holes with bits of leaf.
Last year they cut holes out of either the philadelphus or the hibiscus -
can't remember which. This year, couldn't find any evidence. Roses intact.
No holes in the bean leaves. Then I looked at a small tub that I'd stuck
some peas in... bingo! holes everywhere. A smoking gun if ever I've seen
one....
Enjoy them whilst they're around - the amount of damage they do is small
compared to their benefit.
cheers
Richard
--
Richard Sampson
email me at
richard at olifant d-ot co do-t uk
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