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Cherry Blossom under siege by ants

  • 05-06-2021 8:54pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 443 ✭✭


    This happened last year as well. The leaves are becoming completely covered. If it's anything like last summer, all the leaves will be gone in 2 months.

    Is there anything I can do about this?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,930 ✭✭✭✭Jim_Hodge


    Don't look like ants to me.

    Drench it with a spray of soapy water,


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 443 ✭✭TP_CM


    Jim_Hodge wrote: »
    Don't look like ants to me.

    Drench it with a spray of soapy water,

    Whoops yes I think you're right. There are a lot of ants around the base of the tree and I just assumed it was them but these are darker.

    Would the soapy water damage the tree no?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,438 ✭✭✭✭endacl


    Black aphids. The ants feed off the honeydew they produce.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,832 ✭✭✭greasepalm


    Aphid attack yes soapy water with a bit of vinegar or garlic sprayed every 7 - 10 days.

    Ants are there for nectar from the aphids secretions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,990 ✭✭✭The Continental Op


    endacl wrote: »
    Black aphids. The ants feed off the honeydew they produce.

    Sometime the clever ba$tard ants actually move the aphids around so they can milk them and feed off the honeydew.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm

    Wake me up when it's all over.



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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I’ve heard about that before, they’re actually ‘farming’ the aphids. As annoying as it is it’s pretty interesting!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 443 ✭✭TP_CM


    That is absolutely crazy. I will definitely be taking a closer look at that tomorrow to see if I can see anything.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,990 ✭✭✭The Continental Op


    I’ve heard about that before, they’re actually ‘farming’ the aphids. As annoying as it is it’s pretty interesting!

    I've watched it happen in a greenhouse.

    Wake me up when it's all over.



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