Hey everyone! I've got an apple tree in my garden that's blossoming beautifully, but there's a problem every summer. It turns into a hotspot for ants and aphids. The leaves get covered in these sticky green pests, and the ants seem to be coming around earlier this year thanks to the nice weather. Last year, I tried introducing ladybird larvae, but it didn't help at all. I'm looking for any tips or methods to deal with this issue. Thanks!
3 Answers
I totally get your frustration with those ants and their aphid buddies! But just so you know, aphids usually don't seriously harm a healthy apple tree. The ants might even help in controlling other pests, so I wonder if it’s worth worrying about too much? Just a thought!
I've found that putting sticky bands at the bottom of the tree trunk can really help keep ants away. We skipped them last year and saw an explosion of aphids, but this year we used them, and it’s been great - no ants and the flowers are in full bloom!
Another strategy could be to feed the sparrows during the winter. If you build up a good flock, they can help clear out aphids like it's no big deal. It’s like having an avian cleanup crew!