AT A GLANCE
Are ants harmful to strawberries?
Are ants harmful to strawberries?
Ants themselves are in themselves not harmful for strawberries. However, the animals can indicate certain problems. A permanent influx can indicate an aphid infestation. In addition, the ants can undercut the plants. A small anthill under one strawberry bed literally undermines the substance of the plant. The roots then no longer have such good access to the soil's nutrients. In this case, too, you should react and relocate the ants if possible.
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When do ants indicate aphid infestation on strawberries?
If you have one sticky residue on the leaves, this indicates aphids. The small animals settle on the leaves of the plants and excrete a sticky residue that the ants feed on. To do this, ants colonize, protect and milk aphids. As a result, more and more aphids spread quickly on the plant. Their sticky secretions coat the leaves. As a result, photosynthesis and metabolism slow down. This lowers the crop yield and promotes fungal infestation.
How do I remove ants from strawberries?
If you die Remove aphids, the ants will also disappear from the strawberry. You should definitely intervene against the louse. Otherwise, the aphids will soon cause damage to the strawberry. How to deal with the pests:
- Spray the strawberries with a jet of water.
- Spray plants with soft soap solution.
- Apply treatment three days a week.
- After about three weeks, the aphids should disappear.
Fighting aphids with alcohol is also possible. However, you shouldn't bet on that here. After all, you still want to eat the fruit.
How do I keep new ants away from strawberry plants?
You can get through the plague of ants scent or basic lime fend off. Plant herbs like the following as companion plants in the same bed as the strawberries. The essential oils of the herbs keep ants away:
- thyme
- vermouth
- marjoram
- lavender
You can also sprinkle tea tree oil, grated lemon zest or tansy stock. These substances are also suitable for ant control. Another method is aimed at disrupting the ant trails. Draw a border through this with seaweed lime. The ants will not cross these.
Tip
Use alternatives to baking powder
baking powder is also often used to get rid of ants on strawberries. However, this remedy is quite violent. It's deadly to ants. Keep in mind that animals provide many useful services in your garden. They should keep you away from fruits and veggies, but don't kill them outright.