ants farming aphids/jam question

chipmunk · « **on:** June 06, 2008, 10:47 »

Hi,

I noticed red ants on my broad beans yesterday and on further inspection, noticed little herds of black aphids. I'd previously read about bob flowerdew's method of getting the ants to turn on the aphids by putting jam or honey on the plants. So yesterday (much to the amusement of my allotment neighbour who already thinks I'm stark raving mad because I'm pulling stockings over my cherry tree branches), I smeared dabs of honey on the bases of some of the leaves. How long does it take to work - checked this morning and ants/aphids still there (I'm very impatient!). Any hints/tips from those who've tried this? Is jam or honey better? Any particular flavours/brands?

cheers

Aidy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2008, 11:23 »

Never tried it myslef, I just go most nights with water sprayer in hand and blast the black fly off, you dont get rid of all of them but 80-90% are gone, compared to others I dont have a problem. Funny enough I was looking at alternative methods, one aphid expert reckons if you roll kitchen foil between the rows it confuses them when they fly in, they think its the sky, apparently they fly in looking for bare earth. Not sure about this and I am sure the elder statesman may be chuckiling in their sheds at this one.

hotterotter · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2008, 13:12 »

Lawrence D Hills says go to the pub and empty ashtrays make up a spray with butts and ash, use carefully as it kills aphids too. An entire new group of old men will laugh at you too.

Aidy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2008, 13:15 »

Quote from: "hotterotter"

Lawrence D Hills says go to the pub and empty ashtrays make up a spray with butts and ash, use carefully as it kills aphids too. An entire new group of old men will laugh at you too.

Of course there is now a major flaw in this plan. most dont use ash trays any more, they are wall mounted boxes on the wall outside that are locked.

Aidy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2008, 13:35 »

Here is a link from another forum that talks about the very same subject, and according to Goldilox it will work, so tonight I am of with some jam and will try a couple of plants to compare to the blasting method I use at the mo.

http://www.kitchengarden.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5508&sid=e16e3988179d603ecfb443bc2530f285

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