Q.Sticky petunias killing honey bees
Hi!
I planted petunias for the first time this year, and I’m wondering if I have a situation that can be fixed, or if I should never plant them again!
When I inspect my plants, which have gotten very sticky, I find all kinds of bugs, including honey bees, stuck to the stems. Sometimes I can free them, but most of the time I find them dead, or the bees have gotten so sticky they can’t fly. What do I do?! I feel so bad that I was thinking about pulling all of my petunias.
Thank you!
Cindi
You can reduce the stickiness by reducing water. These plants are naturally tolerant of dry soils. Many plants do this in nature, so it doesn't, necessarily, require your intervention. These insects will die with the plant, when flowers or shoots die off, and will become part of the fertilization process. These insects, when they break down into the soil, are very beneficial for the plant.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but this is a part of nature, and will continue to happen on its own.
