Is this beetle good or bad - should we kill them? - Ask Extension
Hi! My husband cut down a tree in our backyard 2 wks. ago. Now there are several of these unusual beetles eating the tree's sap. We think they m...
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Is this beetle good or bad - should we kill them? #880148
Asked August 04, 2024, 2:42 PM EDT
Hi! My husband cut down a tree in our backyard 2 wks. ago. Now there are several of these unusual beetles eating the tree's sap. We think they might be bumble flower beetles (from basic internet sleuthing). See photo. Each one is about 1.5 cm long. Not sure if we should kill them or leave them alone. Thanks!
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Dear Sarah,
Your friendly little bumble flower beetles are doing their job! They feed on decaying matter. The adult forms are pollinators. They do not damage lawns or carry disease.
So, good news! You do not need to worry about these insects.
Best regards,
Cindy G.
Jefferson County Master Gardener
Your friendly little bumble flower beetles are doing their job! They feed on decaying matter. The adult forms are pollinators. They do not damage lawns or carry disease.
So, good news! You do not need to worry about these insects.
Best regards,
Cindy G.
Jefferson County Master Gardener
