Ants in my cherry tree?

[veritas629]

I put this cherry tree in my backyard last year. Got a small handful of cherries this year, but the damn birds got most. I'll do a better job of netting next year, live & learn. Had slugs too and I was looking to squash them yesterday when I found these. I think they are ant nests, but not sure. Anyone know what I got going on here? Is this harmless nature doing its thing or are they something I should remove?

 

[Roo]

Look more like mites with that tick shape. Purify it with chemical or flame.

 

[Goonie Goat]

They arent ants or mites but black root aphids.

Hit them with a pesticide, I'd use a systemic pesticide like imidacloprid which the plant will absorb and kill any insect for 60-90 days, safe to use on consumables but you dont want to treat it when it's fruiting

 

[itchybro]

yeah i'd say black aphid
did you use anything like blood & bone or any high N nutrient

 

[Tunkers]

Well there ya go. When I saw that pic I thought fuck they look like aphids and had a PTSD experience haha worst pest EVER

 

[veritas629]

Fruit is done for the year, so I bomb them with whatever our friendly garden centre guy suggests. His advice is always good. No blood & bone ferts, just basic compost and an occasional handful Charlie Carp pellets or Osmocte Citrus & Fruit, not often and not much.

 

[veritas629]

Found some of this in the shed and dusted the entire tree. It mentions aphids and the ants will hate the dust too.

 

[itchybro]

Aphid are generally attracted to plants that have had a higher nitrogen take up , the charlie carp would be high but generally not excessive i would think , the Osmocote Citrus & Fruit is probably high & it's slow release so every time you water or it rains the plant gets a hit of higher N , next year just try regular top dresses of compost &/or castings , keep it mulched & the moisture consistent & you should do well along with a regular IPM plan

 

[veritas629]

I'll stick to compost from now on, thanks!