Today the climate is changing globally, whether it is related to human activities or it happens in cycles - a frequent topic of controversy among scientists. But it certainly affects us, ordinary people. If earlier in the Urals many complained about the short and cold summer, this year already in May it was plus 35 in the shade, and in the sun the thermometer passed well over 40.
This made it possible for ants to reproduce in our area at an incredible speed, and where there are these insects, there will certainly be aphids. In addition, if before we counted a maximum of 2-3 anthills, this year there were 10 of them and, apparently, this is far from the limit.
Not surprisingly, fruit trees were under direct threat, this was true for everyone, even the apricot, which barely survived the winter frosts. It was necessary to do something. Of course, you can use any poison, but will it be effective? And then I came across an article in Desen, which described some of the features of the fight against insects, including aphids.
What we needed to have:
1. Insecticide - to combat anthills.
2. Gel for protecting trees from ants.
3. Scissors.
4. Scotch.
5. I used leftover vapor barrier, but any nonwoven fabric can be used.
After I thoroughly prepared myself, I literally felt like this Doctor Evil. So, what I did: at a height of 30 cm, maybe a little higher, I wrapped the wood with material, and exactly in the middle I pasted a wide strip of tape around the circumference. It was on him that I smeared the ant gel.
What's happening? The ants carry the aphids into the anthill every evening, and back to the tree in the morning.
And now on their way - gel, those who were ahead immediately fall to the ground and will not rise from it. But those after them - lose their orientation, but cannot rise higher or lower - in the end they also end up on the ground.
It seems that this is enough, but no. It's time to deal with the anthills. What are we doing?
We loosen the anthill either with a stick or with a simple hoe. Then we measure a meter from it and pour insecticide in this circle. Which one is not important, any will do. It costs a penny, it took 3 bags to process all 10 anthills, one costs about 35 rubles. After everything is done, the ants "lose" interest in life, and go to their forefathers. Everything is very simple and, most importantly, effective.
Of course, that's not all, as you know, aphids rarely infest trees that are healthy and strong. Usually, those who have problems become their targets. Therefore, after you have defeated the aphids, the trees will need to be fed.
