Tree pests are an unfortunate occurrence and can severely damage even healthy, young trees. Common pests, such as ants, might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can quickly multiply and infest all your vegetation. As such, your best bet is managing tree ants as soon as possible. With that in mind, the team at Nature’s Dream Landscape & Tree Service is here with this guide on how to deal with a tree infested with ants.
Contact us today to schedule tree service and landscaping in Coral Gables.
Types of Tree Pest Ants
The most common kind of ant tree pest is carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are named as such because they can bore through wood to create their nests. As you might expect, a carpenter ant infestation can quickly turn a tree into Swiss cheese as the ants bore holes all through the trunk and branches.
Carpenter ants are unique because they can form multiple smaller ‘satellite’ nests around their main nests, which can make them hard to fully eradicate.
How Do I Know I Have Ants in My Tree?
The most common sign of a tree infested with ants (or any invasive species, for that matter) is sawdust around the base of the tree and small holes in the trunk. Carpenter ants themselves are about half an inch long and have a reddish-brown coloring. If you see a handful of these winged insects around your tree, there is a good chance you have an infestation.
Getting Rid of Ants in a Tree
Fortunately, we know some useful tree ant removal methods you can use for eliminating ants from trees.
Pesticides
Pesticides are a simple option that can treat a wide range of tree pests, including ants and their close cousins, termites. Ants walk through the pesticide spray near the base of the tree and carry the poison back to their nests. The main downside of ant pesticides is they can sometimes affect non-target vegetation.
Ant Bait
If you are not sure where the main ant nest is, you can try ant bait for treating an ant infestation in trees. Ant bait contains a fast-acting neurotoxin that kills insects. The ants mistake the bait granules for food and carry it back to the main nest. However, ant bait can attract other types of ants if you’re not careful.
DE Powder
Diatomaceous powder is an organic powder that contains high concentrations of silicates. The silicates dehydrate ants, but the powder is less effective when it is wet outside. Borax powder has a similar effect and is easy to find.
Affordable & Reliable Tree Services in Coral Gables, FL
Read our blog for some additional tips for taking care of trees. If you need more guidance on caring for a tree infested with ants and ant prevention for trees, or would like to schedule tree service in Coral Gables, FL, contact Nature’s Dream Landscape & Tree Service online or call today at (305) 874-7374 to schedule an appointment!
