I have a Shimpaku Juniper, and I have noticed the past couple days there are
ant trails all along the trunk. I looked aoround to see what they were
trying to get, but could find nothing. I doubt it is anything serious, but
just wanted to make sure. Is it a problem? COuld they just be looking for a
dry place from the rain? THanks alot. Fom, Colin

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Colin said:
I have a Shimpaku Juniper, and I have noticed the past couple days there are
ant trails all along the trunk.
Billy said:
BUT, ants in your soil around plants is usually not a good thing. Although
they probably are not feeding on the roots, their tunnels will make the roots
dry out and die.

I say: definitely they aren't feeding on roots, but they may be attracted by scale insects or aphids, which ants like to "herd" and "milk" for their honeydew. Check the tree for these. And, like Billy, I wonder where the tree is- indoors or outdoors? I
have trouble remembering what insects are- they aren't a big concern for me in the middle of this endless icestorm.

more ice tonight,

Nina

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In a message dated 2/4/2004 10:17:58 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

I have a Shimpaku Juniper, and I have noticed the past couple days there
are
ant trails all along the trunk.

I have a lot of ants of various species but am not sure what an ant trail
looks like. Do you mean ants following one another? If they are coming out of
the soil and running up the trunk it is probably a reaction to your watering of
the trees.
BUT, ants in your soil around plants is usually not a good thing. Although
they probably are not feeding on the roots, their tunnels will make the roots
dry out and die.
You probably should repot if possible and definitely treat the soil for the
ants.
Where is the tree being kept?

Billy on the Florida Space Coast
BSF Annual Convention May 28 - 31, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Cape Canaveral,
Florida
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