Ants on White Pines: Aphid Farmers, Not Tree Killers

5 white pines planted last Oct (6 ft). Three have heavy black ant activity. Owner asks if problem.

Ants Farming Aphids/Scale

Ants eat honeydew from sap-sucking insects (likely white pine aphid Cinara strobi). Ants protect aphids from predators.

Fix: Kill Aphids, Ants Leave

• Spray foliage: Isotox, Malathion, Sevin.
• Repeat 7-10 days x3 applications.
• Check nursery for "aphid on conifers" label.

Ants don't harm pines. Aphids weaken trees. Control aphids = ants gone.