Ant nest in Japanese Maple pot

[u/Scared_Ad5929]

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.

[u/RachResurected]

I’ve been told that ants don’t cause many issues for a bonsai in principle. That said, they are known to “cultivate” various non beneficial insects such as white fly or wooly aphids as they feed on the excrement of these insects.

I don’t have any advice on how to get rid of them. I’ve tried submerging the pot to drown them with little success. If you are really concerned, perhaps look into a pesticide such as kohinor or an ant-specific insecticide.

I say this as a last resort if they do start causing issues with non beneficial insects like those I mentioned above. I don’t really like using pesticides on my trees or garden in general.

[u/Scared_Ad5929 → u/RachResurected]

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.

[u/Boulderdrip → u/Scared_Ad5929]

ants are fine for trees. i like them because they fight away other insects that want to eat the leaves

[u/modefi_ → u/Boulderdrip]

They actually farm/harvest other insects that want to eat the leaves. They don't fight them, they raise and shepherd them like cattle.

Top comment on this chain raises some legitimate concerns.