Thursday 5 August 2010

Farming Ants and Aphids

Customer question:
I have an aphid problem on my eating cherry tree. The problem is not widespread, it is localised to certain areas of the tree. Also, there are quite a few ants around the base of the tree and running up and down the trunk. Are the ants related to the aphids? How can I treat the problem?

Answer:
Aphids secrete a sweet substance called honeydew that is most appealing to an ants appetite. The ants farm the aphids into certain areas of the plant where they can gather the honeydew with ease taking it down the trunk of the tree to their nearby nest. To treat aphids use a general purpose insectiside that can be purchased in most good garden centres.

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