An apple tree is a decoration for any garden. And insect attacks often destroy the tree. It’s worth figuring out what to spray apple trees against ants with on your own. There are many methods and, according to reviews, they are effective. The summer resident must determine for himself the best method for processing apple trees.
How to get rid of ants on an apple tree
If ants are noticed on an apple tree, action should be taken immediately. Otherwise, this threatens big troubles and even the death of the tree.
In addition to the appearance of black ants, aphids will soon appear in their habitat.Since insects specially spread it and place it on young shoots or fruits. Very soon, if treatment is not carried out, their joint activity will lead to a decrease in yield.
The first sign that pests have settled on the tree is that the leaves begin to curl. There are many ways to fight, their effectiveness should be judged for yourself. Summer residents usually try to get rid of insects using folk remedies.
The use of chemicals is preferable only as a last resort, this is due to the fact that toxic substances enter the fruits and then cause poisoning in humans.
Getting rid of ants is a long process, but not very labor-intensive. Modern manufacturers offer gardeners a variety of effective preparations to choose from. The processing method is chosen by the summer resident himself.
Ant repellents
After detecting insects on a tree, they select what to use to treat the apple tree against ants in order to destroy them. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the information about which method is safer, more effective and has a longer lasting effect.
Insect repellers
It is extremely undesirable to use chemicals on the site; they harm the surrounding nature and people. First you should try natural ant repellers on an apple tree:
- Onion. There is an opinion that insects categorically cannot stand the smell of this plant. Therefore, the crop is planted on the trunk of an apple tree.
- Tar. At a small height from the ground of 30-50 mm, apply a layer of substance 50 mm wide.
- Garden glue. Apply to the fabric at the very base of the apple tree. Prevents insects from rising to young shoots, buds and fruits.
The fabric must be wound tightly; contact of the glue with the wood should be avoided.
- Flax or wormwood oil. They lubricate the base of the trunk; these smells repel insects.
- Foil.A wide layer is wrapped around the tree trunk, making it impossible for ants to crawl under it.
The effectiveness of these methods is assessed by each gardener individually, since insects can react differently.
Spray solutions
To combat insects, not only repellers are used. There are also ways to combat them that are as close to natural as possible. To spray apple trees, use solutions containing natural ingredients:
Kerosene. To prepare it you will need:
- 10 tbsp. spoons of kerosene;
- 0.4 kg of black soap;
- 2 tbsp. spoons of carbolic acid;
- 10 liters of water.
The components are mixed and diluted in water. Used for spraying green mass, lubricating the crown and watering ant houses.
Linen. To prepare it you will need:
- 30 g linseed oil;
- 1 liter of water;
- 5 g soda.
The entire tree is sprayed with the mixed components. Insects cannot stand the smell, so they avoid treated trees.
Chemicals
The most effective means in the fight against ants. They affect insects, entering the body of one, they infect the entire colony, thoroughly destroying the entire ant family, and not just the working individuals.
What do you water apple trees with to avoid the spread and proliferation of pests on the site? This question interests everyone who is faced with the problem.
In the fall, the fruit plant is treated with the following preparations:
- "Ant";
- "Barguzin";
- "Medvetox";
- "Thunder 2".
Process according to the instructions and only in the fall, since the active substances affect the metabolism of the fruit tree.
The following preparations are used in early spring, before buds form on the trees, maximum before flowering:
- "Aktara";
- "Muracid";
- "VDG";
- "Fufanon" and other means.
Processing is carried out strictly in accordance with the instructions. An overdose can have unpleasant consequences. Trees cannot be treated during and after flowering, as well as during fruiting. The active substances are stored on the ovary and later settle in the fruit. This causes poisoning.
Folk remedies
Most gardeners are in favor of using folk remedies to get rid of ants on an apple tree. It is safe for others; a plant treated with chemicals can kill other creatures.
One way to combat this is to put a metal ring on the barrel. An insect, climbing onto it, slips and falls. Or he prefers to bypass. For 100% effect, you should tightly cover the hole between the ring and the barrel with clay. This will prevent the ant from passing under it.
Various containers with sweet liquid contents are hung on branches. To attract the edges, spread jam or honey.
A family that has settled in the roots of an apple tree can destroy the plant in a short time. Therefore, they should be dealt with immediately after detection. Line the nest with quicklime and fill it with water.
If it’s a pity to kill an ant, you should fight aphids, since they are a favorite delicacy of this pest. There will be no aphids, the ants will leave on their own.
There are many ways to combat insects; you just need to choose a method suitable for certain conditions.
