[Murray]

Evening everyone. I've a new redcurrant (Rovada) about 2ft. high. Covered at the moment with small black ants. No sign of a nest. Are these harmful to the bush(and later fruit)? Or can they be left unmolested for the mo.?  Any advice appreciated. :? Murray

[richyrich7]

Hi Murray they are probably depositing aphids on the bush  :evil:  or at least looking after the ones that are already on it. I usually just wipe the aphids off with my fingers but the ants bring 'em back!

Some one posted a tip about putting little dobs of jam on the stems ? apparently  the ants eat it and then eat the aphids for protein, at the minute they will be milking the aphids for their sugary waste from the sap.

If you have any tree grease a little about an inch up the stem may stop them.


Unless they are swarming up them for their queens to fly but I would have thought that it is too early for that.

[lincspoacher]

ive had queens swarming already - out one corner of my kitchen.

:/

Thermonuclear/biological warfare ensued.

Householder 1, Ants 0.

[Bernard]

I have had plenty of ants over the years - never had a problem with them except that they can be difficult if they have a nest where you want to dig.

[tweeky]

I've always sprayed aphids with a mixture of fairly liquid and water...makes it very difficult for them to cling to the plants and therefore deters the ants who may be farming them.

A one off treatment is no good, you have to do it every other day, but it does work. I only mentioned fairy liquid, but I suppose any diluted liquid soap would work.