Ants on berry bushes are even useful in moderation. If a whole plague of ants is attacking the plant, it indicates problems. Here you can find out what attracts ants, when and how you react.
What can you do against ants on berry bushes?
Ants on berry bushes are useful in moderation as they loosen the soil and eat pests. They become problematic if there is an ant nest in the root area or if there is an aphid infestation. Treat aphids with soft soap solution and interrupt ant trails with gentle home remedies.
What do ants do on berry bushes?
Ants are, first of all, definitelyuseful for berry bushes. On the one hand, ants loosen the soil a little and ensure that the soil is well aerated. Ants on plants are therefore not necessarily a bad thing. On the other hand, types of ants such as the red wood ant destroy caterpillars that move on berry bushes such as the currant bush. This eliminates pests from plants. In some cases, ants on berry bushes can also indicate problems. The large number of ants crawling on berry bushes is particularly alarming.
When do ants become a problem for berry bushes?
If a wholeant nestforms in the root area or the ants showaphid infestation, problems arise for the berry bush. You will hardly miss an ant nest. The problem in this case is that the many animals undermine the plant and the roots become loose and no longer receive as much nutrition. If the leaves appear sticky, it indicates honeydew. Ants look after and look after the animals as they feed on this aphid excretion.
How do I eliminate the cause of an influx of ants?
Get rid of the aphids usingSoap solution It is important that you eliminate the cause of the ant influx. The louse excretions stick together the leaves and slow down the plant's natural metabolism. This can reduce growth and crop yield. The infestation also promotes secondary diseases such as fungal infestation. How to get rid of aphids:
- Prepare soft soap solution with 1 teaspoon of soft soap in 1 liter of water
- Blast the leaves with a strong jet of water.
- Spray the entire plant with cold soft soap solution.
- Repeat application regularly for 3 weeks.
How do I break ant trails to berry bushes?
Usegentle Home remedies to interrupt. Baking soda is often used against ants. However, the powder can be fatal. Since ants are actually beneficial insects and not pests, you should drive the animals away and not destroy them straight away. For example, you can use one of these proven home remedies to combat ants:
- Planting herbs like thyme, lavender or thyme
- Spread cinnamon, lemon peel or tea tree oil on berry bushes
- Interrupt ant trails with algae lime or primary rock powder.
Tip
Tolerate ladybugs and flies
While ants live in harmony with aphids and do not eat them, things are different for other animals. For example, ladybirds and some lacewings love to eat aphids. If these animals fly to your berry bushes, you should let things take their natural course and not repel the ladybugs.
