A safe and effective way to prevent ants from invading bumblebee hives is to use a sprayable glue, MaxLock, as a physical barrier. MaxLock acts as a deterrent and glue. Ants tend to avoid it, but if they do walk into it, they will get stuck.
Protect hives in greenhouses from ants
Spring has arrived and many of our fruit crops are in full flower. Where bumblebee pollination is being used, ants can invade hives to feed on the sugar water inside. This has a negative impact on pollination. Simply spray a complete barrier around the support posts, or around the base of the strings (on hanging stands) of the hive stands to prevent ants from reaching the hives.
Protect outdoor trees from crawling insects
Ants vigorously defend aphids and scale against important predators and parasitoids and this can result in a break down in biological pest control. Once the outer layer of bark (rhytidome) has formed, apply MaxLock in a band around the trunk to form a glue barrier that prevents ants and other pests from climbing up the trunk. It is particularly useful when the tree trunk is rough, where you cannot get good cover using tree bands. The glue is easy to apply and long-lasting.
Later in the year, from November through to April, MaxLock can protect fruit trees against moth species that have wingless females, such as the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) and mottled umber moth (Erannis defolaria). A glue barrier around the trunk prevents females from climbing up the tree to lay their eggs.
MaxLock is also used to protect hanging baskets, pots, benches and containers from a range of crawling insects, including spider mites. It is another tool from Russell IPM to improve integrated pest management programmes, available through distributors in many countries.
For more information:
Russell IPM
Unit 45, First Avenue,
Deeside Ind. Park, Deeside, UK
CH5 2NU
+44 (0)1244 281333
www.russellipm.com