when and what insecticide should I use on apple trees. last couple of years bad ants?
Answers:
the ants are farming greenfly on the apple trees for the sticky sweet liquid they extrude ...ants will carry greenfly up a tree and them farm them like dairy cattle.
for the ants try a grease band around the trunk of the tree ..you can get this from a garden centre and also spray the tree with an safe insecticide ..one that you can then use the fruit or spray the tree with soapy water two or three times over a period off time..spray when there is no direct sunlight .i.e first thing in the morning or last thing at night
Other answers:
Use ant baits and ant traps. Avoid spraying.
Use ant baits and ant traps. Avoid spraying.
Avoid poisons if at all possible. Try chalk or talcum powder in a solid circle around the base, or you could try luring them away with a spoonful of sugar nearby (this actually works, just takes perseverence). If that fails, chat to your local nursery about eco-friendly management methods.