Re: "cure" for aphids and ants?
Sean A. O'Hara wrote:
>
> at 10:12 AM 11/9/98 EST, K1MIZE@aol.com wrote:
> > <snip>
> >Does anyone have a "cure" for aphids and ants? I have a plague of aphids
> >(being "farmed" by ants) on my plum trees every year. I've tried
> malathion on
> >the aphids, and that works for a week or two, but the ants seem to repopulate
> >the trees with aphids very quickly. I've also tried diazanon around the base
> >of the trees to repel the ants, but that only seems to divert them until it
> >gets washed away. I'd prefer not to have to resort to chemical sprays every
> >year. Ideas, anyone?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Kurt Mize
> >Stockton, California
>
> Kurt -
>
> I had a friend in Davis years ago who swore by Tansy (Tanecetum vulgare)
> planted at the base of his fruit trees. It is a handsome and easily
> grown ornamental which previously had lots of herbal uses as a repellant
> for ants and flies, part of the standard 'stewing' herbs of ancient times.
> He planted rings of this plant around the truck of trees that had a
> tendancy to become infested and found them very effeective in keeping the
> ants away. I have not used this plant myself but have routinely heard
> of it being exploited in this manner.
Sean
This seems an excellent answer if it will work. As a confirmed organic
gardner I am always on the lookout for non-chemical solutions. The only
slight unease I would have about using Tansy is its propensity for
colonizing. However, I guess it couldn't do much harm round the base of
a plum tree and one would just have to discourage it from extending its
territory outwards.
If the ants can be stopped, the aphids may disappear naturally without
their "farmers" to care for them, but in the meantime they can be
considerably discouraged by a sharp blast of water from the hose. Unless
the ants carry them back they are helpless when washed to the ground and
will simply perish. The advantage of the water blast is that it is
unlikely to injure other friendly garden inhabitants.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand
