Trees and pests just don’t get along. That’s it, right? Well, things aren’t so simple when it comes to the ants that live near the roots and stems of our trees.
The good news is that some ants are actually good for us. They can even help us take better care of our trees. Others are out to hurt our pleasant plants.
So how can you tell the difference? Read on to learn about these critters and your tree’s health.
As a gardener, nothing is more frustrating than finding ants crawling all over your fruit trees, causing damage and ruining your harvest. While ants serve an important role in the ecosystem, when they invade your garden and climb up the trunks of your trees, it’s time to take action. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share some simple yet effective solutions to keep ants off your trees for good.
Why Ants Climb Trees
Ants climb trees in search of food and shelter. Some species like carpenter ants burrow into trees and can cause extensive damage. Other ants like citrus ants feed on the sweet honeydew secreted by aphids and scale insects that live on the branches. And ants like Argentine ants simply climb trees in search of food. Whatever their motivation, ants swarming up your fruit trees can be detrimental.
They feed on your ripening fruit, chew on leaves and twigs farm sap-sucking insects, and transmit plant diseases. Left unchecked ants can stress trees, reduce fruit yield, and even kill younger trees. That’s why it’s crucial to control ants on your trees.
Effective Solutions to Keep Ants Off Trees
Use Duct Tape Barriers
One of the easiest DIY solutions for keeping ants off trees is to create duct tape barriers. Simply wrap the trunk in overlapping layers of duct tape, sticky side out. Ants get stuck on the adhesive as they attempt to cross over, preventing them from climbing up.
The tape also blocks pheromone trails ants use to communicate. Maintain the barriers by adding fresh duct tape layers annually before ant season. This inexpensive solution is highly effective for protecting young fruit trees and saplings.
Apply Sticky Substances
Sticky substances like tanglefoot paste or petroleum jelly also impede ants from climbing up tree trunks. Apply a thick sticky coating around the entire trunk, about 2-3 feet from the ground. Reapply monthly to maintain efficacy as the coating wears off.
However, these can trap beneficial insects too. So apply selectively only on ant trails rather than entire trunk circumference
Use Deterrent Sprays
Topical sprays containing peppermint, cinnamon or cloves oils act as natural ant deterrents Their strong scents repel ants and disrupt ant pheromone trails.
Spray the trunks, branches and even the surrounding soil to prevent ant access. Reapply after rain or every 7-10 days. Take care to avoid blooms when spraying fruit trees to prevent harming pollinators.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a popular non-toxic remedy for controlling ants. The powdery substance contains microscopic sharp edges that pierce the waxy coating on insect bodies, causing dehydration.
Sprinkle DE liberally on ant trails around the tree trunks. It abrades their exoskeletons when ants contact and crawl over the powder, deterring them from climbing up. Reapply DE after watering or heavy rainfall. Wear a dust mask when handling the fine powder.
Set Out Ant Baits
Bait traps and insecticide baits containing boric acid or fipronil work well for large ant infestations. Place them near ant trails and entry points like tree trunks and garden beds. Foraging worker ants take the bait back to the nests, where the toxins kill the queens and nest workers.
Opt for enclosed bait stations rather than scatter baits to keep baits away from children and pets. It may take several weeks for baits to control ant colonies. Focus on prevention in subsequent years.
Manage Aphids and Honeydew Producers
Controlling honeydew producing pests like aphids, scales, mealybugs and whiteflies can help reduce ant numbers. Ants protect these sap feeders for their sugary excretions. Getting rid of them removes a food source attracting ants.
Prune infested branches, use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to manage these pests. Take an integrated approach by attracting predators like ladybugs that feed on them.
Use Ant-Repelling Plants
Certain plants like pennyroyal, garlic, lavender, mint and thyme contain strong scents that naturally repel ants. Interplanting these around the base of fruit trees creates a “barrier” zone that ants don’t like crossing.
Crush some leaves or flowers to release extra ant-repelling oils. The downside is you need to reapply frequently as the effects are short-lived. Planting these aromatics alongside vegetables and edible fruit trees also allows you to easily harvest them for kitchen use.
Practice Good Sanitation
Practicing proper garden sanitation is key to preventing ant infestations. Prune trees to open up the canopy and increase air circulation. This removes hidden ant highways along touching branches. Eliminate weedy growth and manage decaying wood, mulch and compost piles where ants nest.
Promptly prune and destroy insect-infested or diseased plant parts. Pick ripe, fallen fruit daily and eliminate alternate food sources that attract ants. Maintaining a clean garden area discourages ants.
Use Tanglefoot to Make Ant Barriers
Tanglefoot is an extremely sticky substance sold specifically for creating ant barriers on trees, poles, fences and other surfaces. Just apply a band of Tanglefoot around the trunks of trees to prevent ants from climbing up. It remains pliable and sticky for up to 4 months outdoors, even in rainy conditions.
The sticky coating is near impossible for ants to traverse. Reapply it periodically to maintain the barrier on tree trunks. Although one of the more expensive options, Tanglefoot provides season-long protection.
When to Take Action Against Ants
Implement ant control measures proactively:
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In spring before ants become active. Focus on prevention.
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When seeing large ant trails, nests or swarms on trees.
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After noticing signs of ant damage like chewed leaves, sooty mold, reduced fruit set.
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If dealing with invasive or aggressive ant species. Prevent their spread.
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On young trees and saplings which are most vulnerable to ant damage.
Final Tips for Excluding Ants from Trees
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Regularly inspect trees for ants and honeydew producers like aphids. Take prompt action at the first signs of ants.
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Focus on ant exclusion rather than eradication. Removing food sources and blocking access to trees is most effective for the long term.
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Combine multiple methods like sticky barriers paired with ant baits for best results. Use preventive measures to exclude ants and curative measures if dealing with major infestations.
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Target large ant nests near the base of trees using boiling water or insecticidal dusts to eliminate colonies.
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Apply preventive treatments annually before ant season arrives to protect trees proactively. Maintain barriers and deterrents throughout spring and summer when ants are most active.
Do Any Ants Around Tree Roots Do Harm?
With every rule, there are exceptions! Here are two ants that can be a problem for your tree.
- Red imported fire ants: They leave blisters on people and animals that are very painful. If you see dome-shaped hills at the base of your tree, be very careful not to touch or move them. They are ant hills. The small, dark maroon ants will sting anything that gets in their way. Then, contact your arborist about a treatment right away.
- If you see piles of sawdust at the base of your tree, that means these big ants are busy. This is when you should call an arborist to see if the tree needs to be looked at. Remember that ants only dig in dead or rotting wood, so a plant that has carpenter ants on it might be weak and should be checked to see if it could fall over.
How To Get Rid Of Ants On Trees
Most ants don’t bother trees, but they may come into your home or other parts of your yard when they feel like it. Here are a few ways to stop that from happening:
- Spread bait around the base of the tree
- To get rid of insects that feed on tree sap, use horticultural soap or an insecticide. In turn, you’ll cut off the ant’s honeydew supply.
- Consult with your arborist for the best course of action.
Insect & Disease Issues
This Simple Garden Trick Will Keep Ants Off Fruit Trees
FAQ
Why is my tree infested with ants?
How do you get rid of ants without killing trees?
Why are ants climbing my tree?
How to keep ants off fruit trees?
Make your own ant repellent by mixing equal parts water, vinegar, and dish soap. Place a small amount of peanut butter or honey in the bottom of a jar lid. Turn the jar lid upside down and place it near the tree. The ants will be attracted to the food and will fall into the jar, where they will be trapped. “`
Do trees get along with ants?
Trees and ants simply don’t get along. Straightforward as that, with all things considered, with regards to ants prowling around our trees’ underlying foundations, stems, and branches things aren’t so obvious. A few ants don’t represent an issue by any stretch of the imagination and get this, some can even assistance us care more for our trees.
How do you get rid of ants on a 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. See other bugs you should look out for this season. Learn how to get rid of ants on trees and plants and if ants are killing your tree.
Do ant repellent tips help keep ants out of the garden?
These ant repellent tips will help keep ants out of the garden and off fruit trees when applied regularly. If you have any questions about insect control, how to get rid of insects, or any questions about gardening in general, please ask them in the comments below!