ASK DIARMUID

Q

How do I stop the leaf-cutter bee from ruining my wisteria every year?

A This is a tricky one. It’s the female bee who is doing the damage, cutting the edge of the leaf to lay her eggs. It’s unlikely you will spot her when she is doing the damage and by then it’s too late.

It won’t harm the wisteria but it can look messy – it happens to rose bushes as well. Bees in general are welcome and important pollinating insects, so I’m afraid we just have to put up with this as part of the life cycle!