Rose: Leafcutting bees

Biology

Leafcutting bees remove smooth circular or semi-circular notches from the edges of leaves of roses and other plants. The leaf pieces are used by the bees to create protective cells for raising their young. Leafcutting bees are important pollinators and seldom do major harm to plants.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Provide proper culture for plants. Healthy plants can easily tolerate some damage by leafcutting bees.
• Avoid use of pesticides which will harm these beneficial insects.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended

Additional Images