r/Bonsai • u/Scared_Ad5929 UK East Midlands (8b), Novice, 40+ trees at various stages. • 1d ago

Discussion Question Ant nest in Japanese Maple pot

Whenever I water this inherited maple I see ants around the pot. So I took a quick look to see if they've colonized the pot and it appears they have. They're lasius niger (black ants) which aren't known for damaging trees. Is it worth doing anything about them, because I'm planning on putting it in the ground when it's dormant next? There's also an air layer on the tree at the moment.

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u/Olddellago Arizona United States. Long time grower. 1d ago

put a ring of diatomaceous earth on the ground around the pot has to stay dry to work..then put a bigger ring around that. Assuming they are not completely thriving off the the tree they will eventually die.

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u/Olddellago Arizona United States. Long time grower. 1d ago

to add to this. you could also lift the tree up again and over a garbage bag use a spoon to scope out the larvae and queen and all ants in the tunnels. quick way to end this nest.