Ants can be a real nuisance when it comes to trees Not only can they damage trees, but they can also find their way into your home Getting rid of ants on trees takes some work, but it can be done through various methods. In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about keeping ants off trees.
Why Ants Are Attracted to Trees
Ants are attracted to trees for a few key reasons
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Sap and honeydew: Ants love sweet foods like sap and honeydew secreted by aphids or other insects on the tree. This is like candy for ants!
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Tunnels and cavities: Ants can burrow and nest in the tunnels and cavities of older, damaged trees. This gives them shelter.
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Proximity to ant colonies Existing ant mounds or colonies near trees make it easy for ants to find the trees and climb them
So in essence, ants view trees as a food source and a home. This is why they are so persistent in colonizing trees.
3 Types of Ants on Trees
There are a few common ant species that tend to inhabit trees:
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Carpenter ants: These large, black ants burrow into trees, causing structural damage as they build nests and tunnels.
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Fire ants: Aggressive ants with a painful sting that can swarm young trees and prevent new growth.
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Argentine ants: Small dark brown ants that flock to trees with sap, damaging foliage and bark.
Risks of Ants on Trees
Ants may seem like a harmless nuisance, but they can pose some risks to your trees:
- Tunneling damage that can kill parts of the tree
- Stripping trees of leaves and bark
- Spreading diseases like fungus to the tree
- Attacking tree roots and new growth
- Making trees prone to infestations of other pests
- Possible damage to fruit crops
So in most cases, it’s best to act quickly and get rid of ants on trees before extensive damage occurs.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants on Trees
Here are some of the top methods to get rid of different types of ants on trees:
For Carpenter Ants:
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Insecticide sprays: Apply targeted sprays containing permethrin directly into carpenter ant tunnels. This kills them at the source.
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Borax bait: Sprinkling borax around the tree base will kill carpenter ants when they ingest it. Completely safe for trees!
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Dusts: Pesticide dusts like deltamethrin or diatomaceous earth will kill carpenter ants on contact. Puff into crevices and ant trails.
For Fire Ants:
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Boiling water: Pouring boiling water directly onto fire ant mounds will effectively kill the colony. Just be extremely careful!
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Citrus oil: Spraying pure citrus oil on ant mounds suffocates them and makes the area uninhabitable. Use weekly.
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Granular bait: Applying slow-acting granular baits containing an active ingredient like fipronil will steadily kill fire ant colonies.
For Argentine Ants:
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Vinegar: Spraying a 50/50 vinegar and water solution will instantly kill Argentine ants and deter them from returning.
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Ant traps: Liquid or granular ant baits lure Argentine ants in and then slowly kill the colony. Use multiple to surround trees.
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Powder repellents: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth, cinnamon, or cream of tartar around trees creates a fatal powder barrier against Argentine ants.
Preventive Measures to Keep Ants Off Trees
To help discourage ants from returning after treatments, you can take some preventive measures:
- Apply sticky barriers like tanglefoot or petroleum jelly on tree trunks.
- Prune trees to remove deadwood and prevent decay that attracts ants.
- Manage aphids and sap-sucking insects to limit honeydew.
- Clear brush, mulch, and debris that offers ant nesting sites.
- Water trees during dry seasons to deter ants seeking moisture.
- Consider targeted spot treatments if certain trees are more prone to ants.
With persistence using both control methods and prevention, you can effectively keep ants off your trees long-term and protect them from damage. Give some of these remedies a try next time ants come crawling!
I have several of the plants listed above in my garden already, but am still battling ants…now what?
When an ant population begins to get out of control and even ant repelling plants aren’t doing enough, it’s time to consider trying natural remedies which are plant, pet and human safe but are effective in cutting down on the number of ants. Listed below are several options for natural deterrents beyond plants that are readily available and easy to apply in your garden.
- Cinnamon – sprinkling cinnamon over your garden is effective (but slightly more expensive than other options)
- Lemon Juice – dilute lemon juice with water (50/50) and spray liberally. The lemon destroys the scent trail ants depend on for survival.
- Vinegar – similar to lemon juice, a 50/50 vinegar to water concentration will destroy the ants scent trail as well as often killing ants on contact. Test a small spot first and wait a day to take note of any burn marks on the plants, as vinegar can be very astringent to more delicate leaves.
- Cayenne or Black Pepper – both of these options may be applied directly to the soil or can be mixed into a water solution (2 tablespoons per 1 cup of water) and sprayed on your garden. Like the vinegar option, test a small area and wait a day to take note of the potential damage of the pepper spray to more delicate leaves.
Ants are a normal and almost certain aspect of gardening, how do we keep them at bay without harsh chemical applications?
It seems inevitable: We plant our gardens, spring and summer settle in and things seem to be going swell…until we begin to notice those telltale mounds with trails of pesky ants beginning to take over. It often feels as though one day they were not there, the next our gardens and the lovely produce we have worked so hard to grow, is covered in ants.
There is a fine line between a few beneficial ants, and an army covering everything in sight. While it is almost impossible to deter 100% of the ants determined to move in, it is important to remember that in some ways, ants are somewhat beneficial to the garden, as they help aerate the soil.
Keep ANTS OFF FRUIT TREES With Three Simple Tricks
FAQ
How to stop ants from going on trees?
- Spread bait around the base of the tree.
- Use a horticultural soap or insecticide to rid the tree of sap-feeding insects. In turn, you’ll cut off the ant’s honeydew supply.
- Consult with your arborist for the best course of action.
How do you get rid of ants without harming trees?
Natural Deterrents: – Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of the tree. This natural powder can help deter ants. – Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray it on the tree and surrounding areas. The strong smell can repel ants.
Why is my tree infested with ants?
Ants like trees for two primary reasons. The first is that they’re looking for the honeydew left behind by other insects and often like to make their homes inside worn out holes and cavities in the trunk in your trees.
How to keep ants off fruit trees?
Establish a routine for inspecting your trees and the surrounding area to ensure a clean environment. This not only keeps ants away but also promotes overall tree health, encouraging better fruit development. Companion planting serves as an effective and natural way to keep ants off your fruit trees.
How do you keep ants out of a tree?
Prevent branches from touching nearby structures or plants, which may serve as bridges for ants to access the tree. Ensure better air circulation and sunlight penetration, making the tree less susceptible to pests. Keep the area around the tree clean by removing fallen fruits and debris regularly.
How do you get rid of fire ants on fruit trees?
Granular baits: Use fire ant-specific granular baits and apply them around the fruit trees and mounds to target the queen and the colony. Insect barriers: Apply insect barriers or tape around the base of fruit trees to prevent ants from climbing up the trunk.
How do I get rid of ants in my garden?
Incorporate a variety of plants known for their ant-repelling properties. Here are a few examples: Mint: Planting mint around your fruit trees deters ants due to its strong aroma. Use mint strategically by growing it in pots to prevent it from overtaking the garden. Lavender: Known for its lovely scent, lavender also keeps ants away.
How do ants affect fruit trees?
Spread of diseases: Ants can potentially transport viruses, fungi, or bacteria between plants, increasing the risk of disease. Reduced fruit production: The infestation of ants and other pests can stress the trees, reducing their vigor and ultimately affecting fruit production.
Do ants kill trees?
Damage to the bark: Ants can chew on the bark of trees, which can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease. Damage to the roots: Ants can also damage the roots of trees by tunneling through them. This can disrupt the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can eventually kill the tree.