Farmer uses red ants to protect fruit trees against pests

    | February 18, 2013

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    Chemical products such as pesticides are often used to protect tree plantations against pests. But these products can endanger the environment and human health, especially when proper safety precautions are not followed. And they are not the only method available to manage pests.

    This script introduces an innovative fruit tree planter who uses ants to manage pests such as fruit flies, dust mites, leaf miners, and others. He noticed that his fruit was in very good condition in those parts of his orchard where red ants were numerous. So he introduced red ants to his mango trees, in another part of his orchard. The ants controlled the caterpillars and other insect pests – and even discouraged hungry bats and human thieves! Since this farmer discovered the beneficial effects of ants, he cannot get enough of them!

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