While inspecting my birches yesterday I noticed on the bark of one, a jelly like discharge. The discharge looked like burgandy, kernels of corn, but was very jellylike. On closer inspection I did notice a small hole in the trunk of the tree. When I squirted a stream of water into the small hole, more of these things came out. I also noticed a bee like insect hanging around the hole. He most certainly was unhappy when I took these egglike things away. I have looked up pictures of the insects that affect birches online, and nothing matches what I have seen. Am hoping someone may have some ideas for me. Also is there something in general that I could spray to get rid of this thing? The tree is suffering no damage, but I think I have caught this thing early. I love the tree and don't want it to suffer cause of this thing

Reply to post by Nancy, on August 06, 2001 at 08:55:32:

Without seeing the problem, it's hard to diagnose with accuracy. I suspect you may have a borer in the tree, and sap is exuding to form the jelly-like mass. The wasp may have been hanging around to parasitize the borer.

Just some thoughts. Call a local ISA Certified Arborist to get an on-site inspection if you are concerned about the tree. The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a current list of ISA Certified Arborists. The searchable list can be accessed at the ISA Web site, at:
http://www.isa-arbor.com