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What is on my apple tree and what should I do?
helenwales84
Posts: 4
Hi, I've spotted some little bugs on my new apple tree and also a lot of ants, I'm not sure what the bugs are and if the ants are eating them?? Should I leave the ants to it or spray the tree with something? All help gratefully received! Thanks
Last edited: 29 May 2017 09:54:59
0
Posts
I'm trying to add a pic but it doesn't seem to be working...
Try reducing the size of the pic ... that usually works
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'm just guessing without the photo but the most likely is aphids which are being 'farmed' by ants. The ants feed off of the sugary honeydew which aphids excrete and carry the young aphids to fresh new growth, as well as protecting them from predators like ladybirds. You can blast the aphids off with a spray attachment on a hose but the ants will simply bring more, so you need to prevent the ants from climbing the trunk. That can be achieved by fitting a 'fruit tree grease band' (google it) around the trunk.
Last edited: 29 May 2017 10:35:23