Can ants kill a tree? The short answer is that it depends on the species of ant. In this post, Oregon Arborist, Lafayette’s certified arborist, goes over the relationship between ants and trees and explains what you can do to protect tree health.
Not All Ants Are Bad
When ants infest a tree trunk, they are looking for sap or to make a home in rotting wood. In the latter case, the tree was in trouble before the insects moved in, so they are not actively killing it.
That said, they are not doing anything to stop the decay either, so you need to address what’s causing the rot. This is likely a type of fungal disease or heart rot, both of which can destabilize or kill the tree, so you need help quickly.
These Ants Are Problems
Can ants kill a tree? These ones can, and while they may not be the stuff of nightmares, they are destructive. Watch out for signs of the following species around the roots of the tree or tree trunk, and deal with them quickly to prevent further damage.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants look a lot like their more benign cousins, but they do extensive damage. They actively burrow in rotting wood, further destabilizing the tree. You’ll know they’re active by the piles of sawdust they leave and the tiny boreholes.
Call in an arborist to determine the extent of the damage because there is a danger of serious infrastructural damage.
Red Fire Ants
One of North America’s nastier imports, these ants harm trees and people with their bites. The stinging bite ends up forming blisters that are painful to the touch, so it’s best to get rid of these species before they become entrenched.
Getting Rid of Ants on Trees
Ants of any species can be annoying on your property. They tend to spread quickly, and even if their bites don’t hurt, they can be irritating. What’s even worse is when they learn that you have a lovely source of food for them.
Here are some simple ways to end their reign of terror:
- Mix 30 drops of peppermint oil into a gallon of water in a spray bottle and spray the area around the tree or your home. The scent chases the ants off.
- Sprinkle cinnamon around the base of the tree, as the ants don’t like the smell.
- Put ant traps around the tree to lure the bugs away.
- Get an insecticide or horticultural soap to kill aphids and other insects that eat sap. The ants have a symbiotic relationship with these bugs, so getting rid of one dries up the food source.
Contact Lafayette’s Pros
The home remedies we listed above should help, but you need something more permanent. You know the answer to, “Can ants kill a tree?” so reach out to schedule service with Oregon Arborist. Don’t know what an arborist does? Call us at (503) 899-4166.