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Hampshire, United Kingdom

Ants on my Kilmarnock Willow pendula

I've looked really closely to see if there are any other beasties the ants might have been cleaning up after but can't see anything at all

The tree is about 1.2m tall and just bursting open leaves now
I'm not fussed about the ants as long as they won't cause any problems.. any advice?

New to the website.. hello!




Answers

 

If the willow buds are beginning to burst, then the ants would be climbing the stems to collect the nectar from the emerging catkins.

28 Mar, 2017

 

Thank you! ?

28 Mar, 2017

 

Yes I think so too. welcome to GoY too :o)

28 Mar, 2017

 

If they carry on going up and down the tree after the nectar has finished then look for aphids which the ants 'farm' for their honeydew (greenfly wee!).

29 Mar, 2017

 

Oldb honeydew will never be the same again....

29 Mar, 2017

 

The pressure of the sap in the plant pushes it straight through the insect....in one end and out the other.

29 Mar, 2017

 

Brilliant thank you, will keep a keen eye on it!

30 Mar, 2017

 

Sounds a bit like trying to feed teenage lads...

30 Mar, 2017

How do I say thanks?

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