Magnolia Tree Problems: Ants
More than 80 species of magnolia exist, some of which are trees, some of which are bushes, according to Clemson University. If you notice ants around your magnolia tree, it is most likely suffering from other problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Magnolia Scale
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The magnolia scale is an insect that infests some magnolia trees. This is an especially common problem in the eastern parts of the United States, according to Ohio State University Extension.
Honeydew
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Scale insects feed on massive amounts of sap from the magnolia tree. They eat such a large amount of this sap that much of it ends up being excreted out by the scale insects in the form of honeydew, a thick, clear, sticky substance. This sweet honeydew attracts a variety of insects, including ants, looking to feed off the substance.
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Identification
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Ants on your magnolia tree signal a scale insect infestation. Look for the honeydew on the branches of your magnolia tree and on objects under it. It may be black in color if the honeydew is left untouched for a period of time, allowing black fungus to begin growing on it.
Solution
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Apply an insecticide to the soil around the magnolia tree to eradicate the scale insects, ridding the area of honeydew and thus ants. Use a soil-applied insecticide containing imidacloprid for best results. This insecticide works well even on magnolia trees suffering from very significant infestations.
Ant Control
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Ants lower the number of natural enemies of scale insects, making the infestation on your magnolia tree worse. Control ants by pruning branches near buildings or the branches of other trees to keep ants off the magnolia tree. Wrap the lower trunk in fabric tree wrap, apply sticky substances to the bottom of the tree to trap ants, and use bait insecticides such as boric acid.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit magnolia tree image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
