Use caterpillar glue to prevent ants and other animals from climbing up the trunk of the tree. Here you can find out why this measure can make sense and how exactly to use the caterpillar glue.
Why does caterpillar glue help against ants?
Caterpillar glue is used against ants to prevent the spread of aphids. Ants encourage aphids by eating their honeydew. The environmentally friendly caterpillar glue forms a sticky barrier on the tree trunk that ants cannot overcome.
Why is caterpillar glue used against ants?
Caterpillar glue is intended to prevent thespreadingofaphids and other pests on the tree. Ants play an indirect role in this case. The aphid excretes a sticky, sweet residue known as honeydew. Ants like to eat this so much that the ants specifically care for and protect aphids. Therefore, ant infestation on plants quickly contributes to the spread of the aphid. However, ants and other animals cannot easily cross the sticky caterpillar glue.
What is caterpillar glue?
Caterpillar glue is anenvironmentally friendly glue product The manufacturers know that this glue is often used to protect fruit trees and deliberately do not use any toxic substances. This is usually a natural glue that does not leave any harmful substances behind when it decomposes. The tree glue is made from renewable resources. The glue rings do not cause any damage to the plant. In addition to ants, caterpillar glue can protect trees from the following pests:
- Ants
- Aphids
- Frost tensioner
- Snow chuck
- codling moth
How do I apply caterpillar glue to the tree?
Attach the glue rings to the trunk at a height of approximately1.5 meterstightclose-fitting. The glue should be applied so that it rests directly on the tree bark. The ends should be a few cm above each other and securely enclose the trunk. This is important so that there is no gap at any point or ants can crawl under the caterpillar glue.
When do I apply caterpillar glue to the tree?
Thedependson the peststhat you want to keep away from the tree. If you are concerned about controlling caterpillars, you should often apply caterpillar glue to your trees in September. If you want to keep ants away from the tree, pay attention to their active times. Ants freeze in winter and only become active again in spring.
Can I remove caterpillar glue?
Removing caterpillar glue isnot difficult. If you don't want to wait for the caterpillar glue to decompose naturally, do the following:
- Rub sand onto the remaining glue.
- Carefully scrape off the caterpillar glue (€22.00 on Amazon) with a plant scraper.
After winter, it may be beneficial to scrape off the old glue residue before applying new caterpillar glue against ants in the same area. However, old glue rings have often already decomposed.
Tip
Renew after 6 months
Typically, caterpillar glue will serve you well for a few months. However, you should replace the caterpillar glue after 6 months at the latest. This way you can ensure that the glue ring is sticky enough and protects the tree from ants.