What to do if Your Tree is Infested With Ants

Ants are an inevitable part of life, and you often see them in your yard looking for food. If you have a tree on your property, chances are you have seen some ants on it. But ants aren’t always bad. In fact, there are several types of ants that can destroy the “bad” ones, but if you have workers in the nest, then this tree is infested with ants and it’s likely that they will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

If you have noticed ants in your tree, there is a good chance that the tree is infested. Ants can cause a lot of damage to trees, so it is important to take action if you see them. In this guide, we will discuss what to do if your tree is infested with ants. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent ant infestations from happening in the first place.

Why are your trees infested with ants?

The presence of ants on your apple trees can indicate that something is wrong with the tree. If you see ants or other insects on your apple tree branches or trunk, this might signal a problem with the health of your tree.

Here are a few reasons why your trees are infested with ants:

Food

This is the number one reason why ants invade trees. Ants are attracted to sweet and sticky substances, and they will travel long distances to find food. Once an ant finds a food source, it will send out scouts to locate more food sources. If your tree is infested with ants, it is likely that they are being drawn to the sugary sap or nectar in the tree.

Shelter

Another common reason why ants invade trees is to find shelter. Ants are attracted to moist and shady areas, and they will often seek refuge in trees during the winter months.

A lack of moisture

Dry conditions can also lead to ants invading trees. When the soil is dry, ants will search for other sources of moisture and they may find it in your tree.

Pests

If you have a pest problem in your yard, there is a good chance that the ants are taking advantage of it. Ants often invade yards to feed on pests, and they can quickly become a problem if not controlled.

Lack of nitrogen in the soil

If the soil around your tree is lacking in nitrogen, it could be attracting ants. Ants are attracted to areas with high levels of nitrogen, and they will often build their nests in these areas.

What damage can ants cause?

Ants can cause a lot of damage to trees, and they can quickly kill a tree if left unchecked. Ants are attracted to the sugary sap in trees, and they will often strip the bark off of trees to get to it. This can damage the tree’s vascular system and prevent the tree from getting the nutrients it needs.

Ants can also tunnel through the soil around the tree’s roots, which can damage the roots and make it difficult for the tree to absorb water. If you have an ant problem in your yard, it is important to take action as soon as possible.

What should I do if my tree is infested with ants?

If you have determined that your tree is infested with ants, there are several things that you can do to get rid of them. Here are five steps that you can take:

Step one: Identify the type of ants

The first step is to identify the type of ants that are infesting your tree. There are many types of ants, and each one requires a different approach for removal.

Step two: Locate the nest

The next step is to locate the nest. In most cases, the nest will be located in the trunk of the tree. However, it is also possible for nests to be located in branches or in the roots of trees.

Be sure to wear gloves when inspecting trees for ant nests, as ants can sting.

Step three: Treat the nest

Once you have located the nest, you will need to treat it with an insecticide or another type of pesticide. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using pesticides.

Step four: Remove food sources

One way to prevent ants from returning is to remove any food sources that are attracting them. This includes removing any sugary substances from the tree, as well as eliminating any food sources in your yard that might be attracting ants.

Step five: Use a repellent

If you are unable to get rid of the ants with the steps above, you can try using a repellent. There are several types of repellents available, and you should choose one that is safe for use on trees. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using a repellent.

How do I get rid of ants in my tree?

Pruning

Prune the branches of the tree that are infested with ants. This will help to reduce their food supply and force them to leave the tree.

Baiting

Another option is to bait the ants. Ant baits (or ant stakes) are slow-acting poisons that kill the entire colony. This involves placing a food source near the nest that is laced with poison. The ants will take the bait back to the nest and share it with the other ants, which will eventually kill them all.

Insecticide

If you have a severe ant problem, you may need to treat the tree with an insecticide. Systemic insecticides work by killing phloem-feeding insects, like aphids and mealybugs, which produce honeydew that attracts ants. Systemic insecticides come in granular or liquid form and can be used on ornamental trees as well as fruit trees and vegetables.

Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using an insecticide.

Cultural control

The most effective way to get rid of ants in your trees is to kill the colony. Ants live in colonies, and if you kill the queen ant, it kills the nest. You can do this by applying boric acid into the tree’s holes. There are also granular baits available that are safe around children and pets that you can use to destroy the ant colony.

Apply them near ant trails or mounds, and keep pets and children away from them until they dry completely. Water helps activate these baits once they’re applied, so if you water your trees regularly, or if it rains within a day of application, reapply them at least once more during that season.

Preventing ant infestations

The best way to deal with ants is to prevent them from invading in the first place. There are a few things you can do to make your yard less hospitable to ants:

Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed and well-maintained
Remove debris, such as fallen leaves and branches, from around your trees
Make sure there is no water pooling near your trees
If you have mulch around your trees, make sure it is not touching the trunk of the tree
Use an ant baiting system near your trees (ask your local nursery or garden center for a recommendation)

Are ants on trees good or bad?

The jury is still out on this one. Some people say that ants are beneficial because they help to pollinate the trees’ flowers. However, if an ant colony becomes too large, it can do some serious damage to a tree. The biggest issue with ants on trees is that they can cause extensive damage to the bark. This can weaken the tree and make it susceptible to disease and other pests.

If you think your tree might be infested with ants, there are a few things you can do:

Inspect the trunk of the tree for signs of ant activity, such as tunnels or mounds of soil
Use a garden hose to spray water onto the trunk and branches of the tree; this will help to dislodge any ants that are present
If you see ants on the leaves or branches of the tree, use a pesticide designed specifically for trees; this will help to kill the ants and keep them from coming back
If you have a severe ant infestation, you may need to call in a professional pest control company to get rid of the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you kill ants without killing a tree?

If you have a severe ant infestation, you may need to call in a professional pest control company to get rid of the problem.

Can ants kill trees?

The biggest issue with ants on trees is that they can cause extensive damage to the bark. This can weaken the tree and make it susceptible to disease and other pests.

Can I just leave the ants?

Conclusion

Trees are an important part of our ecosystem, and it is our job to protect them. If you think your tree is infested with ants, the best thing to do is get rid of them. If you can do this yourself, call an arborist or tree service company. They will be able to properly diagnose the problem and find a solution. Thanks for reading and we hope this was helpful.