Slime Flux in Trees: Oozing Sap Attracts Flies and Bees

A tree in northern Ohio suddenly covered in flies and bees, with holes and missing bark. Kids climb it. Likely slime flux (wetwood) – a bacterial infection causing sap to ferment and ooze, attracting insects.

Understanding Slime Flux

• Bacteria enter through wounds, ferment sap, create pressure, forcing frothy, foul-smelling sap out.
• Sap kills grass/plants below; leaves gray crust when dry.
• Internal wood is dark, water-soaked, malodorous.

Management

• No cure exists. Drain tubes are no longer recommended (spread bacteria).
• Promote vigor: fertilize with 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter before rain.
• Avoid wounding; prune properly with clean tools.
• Keep children away if structure is compromised.

Tree may survive for years but will gradually decline.