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Bugs, bugs everywhere
Confused by these. They are making the leaves on my little apple trees curl up. But mostly confused by the ants that are also stomping around.
What are they? How do I get rid? Will they do lasting harm?
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Ants 'farm' aphids for the honeydew they secrete after feeding on sap so these aphids have been carried up your apple tree by the ants. You could rub as many as possible off with your finger and thumb. Its best not to use insecticide as you could kill bees and other pollinators.
It's the rosy apple aphid and ladybird is right the ants 'farm' them for the sugars they produce. Advice on control and elimination here:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=794
Last edited: 11 July 2016 10:44:56