Since it’s fruiting season, this email from our files is especially relevant. Anyone who’s ever seen ants happily crawling in and out of their ripening fruit knows how irritating this is.

Albert writes:

Dear Italian fig trees,

Ants are attacking my figs as they ripen. What can I do? Any help will be appreciated.

Albert

Dear Albert,

Try “Tree Tanglefoot”* to trap the ants before they get to the figs.

Al

(* “Tree Tanglefoot” is an organic sticky compound of castor oil and natural waxes, that you apply as a barrier ring to keep climbing pests from getting access. It’s widely available.)