Pest problem: aphids/ants!

Hello,

I am glad to have found this forum because here you really get all-round support that is rarely found! A big thank you at this point to the [Baubranchen-Forum].

I less so, but my wife has a serious pest problem on her sunflowers. We generally already have a lot of ants around the house, but the army on her sunflowers is truly impressive. A variety of aphids have settled on the leaves of the plants, and the ants really enjoy those critters. As far as I know, both parties work together. But now, my wife is an absolute opponent of chemical control and swears by old home remedies, which she and I unfortunately do not know.

Does anyone have a tip?

P.S.:

Since she is not reading along right now, I would also be grateful for tips on chemical control.

Hello Rufus,

you are absolutely right! The ants really enjoy those creatures. They protect them in the same way that farmers protect their livestock. Ants milk aphids just like farmers milk their cows. The aphids excrete honeydew, and the ants truly enjoy the taste. That is why they defend their livestock against all beneficial insects, such as the ladybug. If you and your wife want to solve this in an organic way, I can only encourage you to do so. Because if you spray poison, it harms the environment, and ultimately yourself as well.
There are different methods to get rid of aphids and ants. For example, you can try wormwood manure or tea. Another option is to use nettle manure.
You can also plant flowers next to the sunflowers that the ants and aphids do not like at all. Mentionworthy are tansy or lavender. In combination, you can try using [Schmierseife]. Aphids are much easier to combat than other pests, such as spider mites.

Good luck!
[Gartengestaltung]

Thank you for the information. I knew there was something. At first, I had hoped that the ants would eat the lice, but in the end, I had to realize that the two parties really like each other.

But please excuse my ignorance regarding "Wermutjauche und Brennsesseljauche." I associate Jauche with the manure from farmers and therefore I am not exactly sure how to make it. Or is it simply the fermentation of the plants in water?

Thank you for your help!