Ants on raspberry bush
Hello! I'm from the UK and I've noticed that, this year, we've got ants all over the raspberry bush. Can anyone advise me on how to get rid? Thanks!
- rainbowgardener
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At a guess, you also have aphids. Have you looked closely to see? Aphids secrete a sweet sticky substance called honeydew that the ants like. In fact, the ants may sometimes bring the aphids and "farm" them.
I'd start by just spraying the plant down thoroughly, including undersides of leaves and all the stems, with a little bit of pressure (like narrow hose nozzle setting). That should help wash off ants, aphids, and the honeydew. Then put down diatomaceous earth, or a heavy layer of something powdery like chalk or talcum around the plant. That will help keep the ants from coming back.
I'd start by just spraying the plant down thoroughly, including undersides of leaves and all the stems, with a little bit of pressure (like narrow hose nozzle setting). That should help wash off ants, aphids, and the honeydew. Then put down diatomaceous earth, or a heavy layer of something powdery like chalk or talcum around the plant. That will help keep the ants from coming back.
- rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b