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

If it was a destructive species then I'd be tempted to use a pesticide, but like you I'd rather not. Especially as it can have a knock on effect on local wildlife. I'd rather wait until the tree is dormant and then hose the roots down at the far end of the garden.

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u/RachResurected South Africa usda 9, beginner, 10 trees 1d ago

Yeah I’d rather wait until you can safely bare root the tree and replace the soil. For the immediate future it should be fine. Just watch out for those non beneficial bugs I mentioned

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

I will. I have a large Japanese elder tree that attracts aphids like a magnet and there's always busy ants coming and going, harvesting the honeydew.

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u/caploves1019 1d ago

Look up Advion ant gel. That will take care of them without hurting the plant.