I am sure that every gardener at least once encountered ants on currant plantings. Below I will talk about the reasons for the invasion of pests, the harm to the culture and how to get rid of these insects.
Why do ants appear
If in the spring you find ants on the currant, it means that aphids live on the plant. It is known that these insects form a symbiosis - a mutually beneficial union. Ants protect aphids and promote their spread, and aphids secrete sugary substances that are needed first. If there really is an aphid on the lower parts of the currant leaves, it is necessary to get rid of it first of all.
There are other reasons for the invasion of ants, which are less common:
- high planting density in the territory or an abundance of weeds;
- improper care of plants;
- untimely disposal of excess organic matter around the bushes.
What is the danger of insect activity and is there any benefit
Ants are a potential threat to any crop. They harm the root system, breaking through underground passages and eating the roots. The upper part of the shoot also suffers from them - ants cause mechanical damage, drink juices and can bring diseases. Insects secrete formic acid, which has a bad effect on the soil and shoots.
In small quantities, pests can be useful - they loosen the earth, and it is saturated with oxygen. Destroy seeds of weeds, eliminate slugs.
How to get rid of ants
It is not necessary to completely get rid of the population - this will upset the biological balance. 2-3 treatments will be enough.
Folk ways
- Make a circle of soot and linseed oil around the perimeter of the currant trunk.
- Mix baking soda and sugar in a 1:1 ratio and sprinkle the mixture around the bushes and along the paths.
- With the help of boiling water, you can get rid of medium-sized anthills by simply pouring water on them.
- Onion peel tincture (10 liters of hot water and 1 kg of peel) will be effective in controlling insects.
Strong odors
Ants cannot tolerate many strong-smelling substances, such as:
- gasoline, kerosene;
- garlic;
- tobacco;
- ammonia;
- food 9% vinegar;
- spicy pepper;
- aroma oils.
Mechanical Methods
These methods involve physical impact on anthills:
- If the nest is located in a dry area without possible fires, you can break it with a shovel and process it with a gas burner. Thus, all ants and laid eggs will be destroyed. Be sure to follow fire safety precautions!
- You can fill the anthill with boiling water or any oil that does not damage the soil.
- If you fill the nest with 70% acetic acid, there will be no trace of insects.
Chemical treatment
Chemistry should be used only in the most severe cases. The most effective drugs: "Ant", "Klaus", "Muracid".
How to prevent ant attacks
Insect control is a long and difficult process. It is better to initially make sure that the invasion does not happen.
- Pay due attention to weeding and loosening the soil.
- Do not neglect digging the earth in early spring and late autumn.
- Fertilize the soil with wood soot.
- Treat vegetation with aphids and ants.
- Inspect currant bushes regularly.
- Do not get rid of ladybugs on the site. You can plant flowers that will attract them.
Conclusion
Ants deal a heavy blow to horticultural crops. This means that preventive measures should always be observed.
Alas, almost every year I encounter ants on currants, albeit in small quantities. Thanks to this knowledge, I can quickly say goodbye to harmful insects without harming plants and crops.
How do you deal with ants?
Read also: Manure for currants: I fertilize in the spring according to all the rules and get an excellent result
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