In article ,
Len Buffey wrote:
Can anyone tell me how to prevent my Snowball Tree, viburnam opius 'Roseum'
from being attacked by black ants ? They seem to be associated with some
sort of black deposit on the underside of the leaves which curl quite
tightly. I would like to avoid a chemical solution if possible

It is not being attacked by the ants.

You have some sapsucking insects (or perhaps mites) on the leaves,
which are excreting honeydew. The black is a fungus that grows on
honeydew, and the ants are collecting it. Neither does the slightest
harm - it is solely the sapsuckers that do that.

Spray it THOROUGHLY (including inside the leaves) with a soft soap
solution (e.g. Savona), a rape seed oil solution (Naturen), washing
up liquid solution with a bit of methylated spirits or a pyrethrum
or derris based insecticide. All are relatively harmless and
biodegrable, but I favour the earlier ones.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

are you sure its ants ?
more likely aphids but you see the ants trying to assist in eating them
Try spraying with a strong solution of washing up liquid or soap solution

"Len Buffey" wrote in message
...
Can anyone tell me how to prevent my Snowball Tree, viburnam opius
'Roseum'
from being attacked by black ants ? They seem to be associated with some
sort of black deposit on the underside of the leaves which curl quite
tightly. I would like to avoid a chemical solution if possible

"Nick Maclaren" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Len Buffey wrote:
Can anyone tell me how to prevent my Snowball Tree, viburnam opius
'Roseum'
from being attacked by black ants ? They seem to be associated with some
sort of black deposit on the underside of the leaves which curl quite
tightly. I would like to avoid a chemical solution if possible

It is not being attacked by the ants.

You have some sapsucking insects (or perhaps mites) on the leaves,
which are excreting honeydew. The black is a fungus that grows on
honeydew, and the ants are collecting it. Neither does the slightest
harm - it is solely the sapsuckers that do that.

Spray it THOROUGHLY (including inside the leaves) with a soft soap
solution (e.g. Savona), a rape seed oil solution (Naturen), washing
up liquid solution with a bit of methylated spirits or a pyrethrum
or derris based insecticide. All are relatively harmless and
biodegrable, but I favour the earlier ones.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

I agree, I've a snowball and last year the ants were 'farming' the aphids
that were attacking the shrub.
Nick is on the right path with the suggested solutions as well :-)
L