The reality is that trees and pests simply do not get along. Therefore, if you see ants lurking around your trees in the San Diego County area, then it makes sense that you would like them gone as quickly as possible. While some ants might not pose an immediate problem to the health of trees, ants can do serious damage to your landscaping projects, foliage, and beautiful trees. So, are ants good or bad for trees? There are a few key points to keep in mind.
Why Do Ants Like Trees?
There are a few reasons why ants like trees so much. These include:
- Ants are looking for honeydew that might have been left behind by other insects. This is a source of sustenance for ants and their offspring.
- Ants are looking for a place to call home. They commonly target rotten wood and cavities that are present inside of trees.
While ants themselves do not do direct damage to trees, they do provide a warning sign that the tree is in trouble. Because ants are drawn to substances that have been left behind by other insects and like to make their homes in areas with rotten wood, this is a sign that the tree might be in trouble.
What Types of Ants Might Be Found Near Trees?
When it comes to ants that might be located around a tree, there are a few varieties that people might spot. Some of the most common ants that like to make their home in and around trees include:
- Carpenter Ants: If you spot piles of sawdust that are located at the base of your trees, then this is a sure sign that carpenter ants are present. In general, it is a good idea to reach out to a trained arborist who can help you decide if the tree has to be removed. Whether you are looking for residential tree services or commercial tree services, this is a common issue that a tree professional can address. Keep in mind that answer only able to burrow through tree wood that is rotting. Therefore, if there are carpenter ants around the roots of a tree, the tree might be at risk of falling.
- Red Fire Ants: Red fire ants commonly target young trees. Furthermore, red fire ants are a safety hazard to people and pets, leaving painful blisters behind after they bite. If you notice mounds that look like domes at the bottom of your tree, this could be a sign that fire ants are present. These dark, maroon ants are going to bite or sting anything that comes near their home. Instead, it is a good idea to place an emergency call with a trained arborist to figure out what you should do next.
These are just two of the most common types of ants that might be present around your trees. Even though there could be other types of ants, they all require the attention of trained professionals.
How To Remove Ants Around Trees
Even though ants do not pose any immediate threat to trees, they can spread to other parts of your landscape, including your home. Some of the tips to follow include:
- You can create a mixture of peppermint oil and water. Because ants cannot stand peppermint, they will probably vacate the tree once they catch wind of this solution.
- Consider lining the bottom of your trees with bait to capture ants as they move from place to place.
- Use an insecticide to get rid of insects that feed on sap. By removing honeydew from the tree, you will cut off the food supply for the ants.
Of course, this is not always enough to completely deal with ant problems infecting your trees. Therefore, it is always a good idea to reach out to trained professionals in San Diego County who can help you get rid of ants for good. That is where we can help you.
Call Pope Tree Service in San Diego County for All Tree Care Needs!
If you are dealing with ants in San Diego County, they might spread from your trees to your home if you do not act quickly. Therefore, in order to protect your trees and your home, you should reach out to the team from Pope Tree Service. At Pope Tree Service, we take great pride in the services that we provide. We offer everything from residential tree services to emergency tree services and other landscaping assistance. We can take a look at your trees, figure out where the ants are coming from, and develop a comprehensive solution. Give us a call today and request a free quote from one of our tree experts! We would be happy to help you with all of your tree care needs!