What can I do to keep ants from attacking the grapes I have growing in my backyard? I'd like to enjoy them for eating, not for winemaking. (Or is there a better newsgroup for this?)
- posted
20 years ago
Ants attacking my grapes!
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- posted
20 years ago
My standard answer...Call your local Ag. Extension Office and get a copy of their spraying guide for grapes (fungicides and insecticides). Here in Kansas I include either Sevin or Imidan in my tank mix. No problem with ants or other insects on the vines with a proper spray schedule.
Bill Frazier Olathe, Kansas
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- posted
20 years ago
Are you sure the ants are attacking the grapes? Are they after the fruit or the leaves? Most likely they are either tending aphids or after something else. They don't usually bother grapes. IMHO, you don't need a spray program to raise good quality grapes. Monitor closely and identify pests first before taking action, or if you know conditions are ripe for disease problems you may have to take some preventive measures.
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- posted
20 years ago
It's probably more likely that you have aphids and the ants are farming them
- ants don't usually bother grapes; fruit or leaves.
Two possible answers - one toxic, and one non-toxic. Either spray with an insecticide that will kill the aphids (Melathion works), or get ahold of some ladybugs - there are suppliers who can see you a bunch of them. Ladybugs prey on the aphids and so they are happy and full, and you have toxin free grapes!
The Mad Kiwi W> What can I do to keep ants from attacking the grapes I have growing in