Fertilizer and Ants

JesusFreak

Shohin
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I just started organic fertilizer in tea page to strengthen the trees for the dormancy and next year. Unfortunately, I have Ant’s and fruit flies all over the trees now. Is this ok or is it gonna bring along more harmful pests.
 

sorce

Nonsense Rascal
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The ants might be farming scale or aphids, never heard of them eating fert, unless of course you made it yourself with extra sugar!

Sorce
 

Bonsai Nut

Nuttier than your average Nut
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Normally you have flies or pillbugs but I agree with @sorce. Ants and fruit flies = sugar.

isopod.jpg

(Pillbugs aren't bugs at all... they are actually crustaceans. Think lobsters and crabs. I don't know how they taste though... :) )
 
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casun

Mame
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That is exactly the kind of “pillbug” I sometimes see in my nightmares.
 

Forsoothe!

Imperial Masterpiece
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They only eat decaying material (in Michigan) (it's the law).
 

Dav4

Drop Branch Murphy
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I use Holly-tone on my trees from March until November every year and can't say I've ever seen an increase in ants or fruit flies (or any flies, really) with it's application and use.
 

Bonsai Nut

Nuttier than your average Nut
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Plant-tone

Strange. I just used this on some of my shimpakus. Can't say I've got ants or fruit flies, though it does draw regular house flies a little. Try this:

nature.jpg

It is pelletized and does not draw insects that I can tell. It is slow to break down into the soil and so far I am happy with it. Make sure you use this type (7-6-9) and not any of the others.
 
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fredman

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I love seeing critters in and around my trees. Makes it look more natural and alive...like out there.
 
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