Hello,
I’m glad to have found this forum because it offers truly comprehensive support that is rarely available! A big thank you to the construction industry forum at this point.
I’m less affected, but my wife has a serious pest problem with her sunflowers. We generally already struggle with a lot of ants around the house, but the army on her sunflowers is really remarkable. A large number of aphids have settled on the leaves of the plants, and the ants seem to thrive on these insects. As far as I know, both parties work together. However, my wife is strongly opposed to chemical treatments and swears by traditional home remedies, which unfortunately neither she nor I know.
Does anyone have any advice?
P.S.:
Since she’s not currently reading along, I would also appreciate tips on chemical control methods.
I’m glad to have found this forum because it offers truly comprehensive support that is rarely available! A big thank you to the construction industry forum at this point.
I’m less affected, but my wife has a serious pest problem with her sunflowers. We generally already struggle with a lot of ants around the house, but the army on her sunflowers is really remarkable. A large number of aphids have settled on the leaves of the plants, and the ants seem to thrive on these insects. As far as I know, both parties work together. However, my wife is strongly opposed to chemical treatments and swears by traditional home remedies, which unfortunately neither she nor I know.
Does anyone have any advice?
P.S.:
Since she’s not currently reading along, I would also appreciate tips on chemical control methods.
M
Maier GmbH9 Jul 2008 06:00Hello Rufus,
You are absolutely right! The ants really enjoy those creatures. They protect them in much the same way farmers do with their livestock. Ants “milk” aphids just like farmers milk their cows. The aphids excrete honeydew, which the ants find very tasty. That’s why they defend their “livestock” against beneficial insects like ladybugs. If you and your wife want to solve this naturally, I can only encourage you to do so. Using pesticides harms the environment and ultimately yourself.
There are several methods to get rid of aphids and ants. For example, you can try wormwood manure or tea. Another option is using nettle manure. You can also plant sunflowers alongside plants that ants and aphids don’t like, such as tansy or lavender. In combination, you might try applying soft soap. Aphids are much easier to control than other pests like spider mites.
Good luck!
Garden Design
You are absolutely right! The ants really enjoy those creatures. They protect them in much the same way farmers do with their livestock. Ants “milk” aphids just like farmers milk their cows. The aphids excrete honeydew, which the ants find very tasty. That’s why they defend their “livestock” against beneficial insects like ladybugs. If you and your wife want to solve this naturally, I can only encourage you to do so. Using pesticides harms the environment and ultimately yourself.
There are several methods to get rid of aphids and ants. For example, you can try wormwood manure or tea. Another option is using nettle manure. You can also plant sunflowers alongside plants that ants and aphids don’t like, such as tansy or lavender. In combination, you might try applying soft soap. Aphids are much easier to control than other pests like spider mites.
Good luck!
Garden Design
Thanks for the information. I had a feeling there was something going on. At first, I hoped the ants would eat the aphids, but in the end, I realized that the two parties actually get along very well.
Please excuse my lack of knowledge regarding "wormwood manure and nettle manure." When I hear manure, I usually think of farmyard manure, so I’m not exactly sure how these are made. Or is it simply the fermentation of the plants in water?
Thank you for your help!
Please excuse my lack of knowledge regarding "wormwood manure and nettle manure." When I hear manure, I usually think of farmyard manure, so I’m not exactly sure how these are made. Or is it simply the fermentation of the plants in water?
Thank you for your help!