How to Block Ants From a Tree
Over 12,000 species of ants exist around the world, according to the University of California at Davis. Ants perform functions that are good for the environment and have a developed society where all members cooperate for the good of the colony. Ants can become a nuisance, however, when entering your home or carrying destructive insects such as aphids to plants and trees. Although most ants in the United States do not eat plants, they act as farmers by cultivating certain insects and feeding from their sweet excretion called honeydew. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Garden hose with spray attachment
- Insecticidal soap
- Diatomaceous earth
- Cedar chips
- Barrier product
Instructions
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Spray the affected tree with a sharp stream of water from your hose to get rid of ants that are living in it. The ants are there to tend and feed off other insects.
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Spray your tree with insecticidal soap to control the aphids and other insects introduced by the ants. When these insects are gone, the ants will have no reason to return to your tree--until they carry more insects to it.
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Scatter diatomaceous earth on the soil around your tree or mulch with cedar chips. Diatomaceous earth cuts ants' feet, preventing them from walking over it to reach the tree. Replace diatomaceous earth after a rain or after watering the area. Cedar chips repel ants and other insects.
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Spread a thick layer of a sticky organic barrier product around the base of your tree after you have successfully removed as many ants as possible. Such products are available at nurseries under the brand name "Tree Tanglefoot" and others. Follow label instructions for correct use and safety considerations.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
