How Do Ants Damage Trees?
WouterDepending on the species, ants are helpful to trees. They help in the production of honeydew, which is a sticky substance produced by plant sucking insects. The ants also help in the aeration of the soil. This leads to better water circulation and better nutrients.
However, some ants are harmful and can cause a lot of damage to trees. Some species of ants eat overripe fruit and can even harm young trees.
Carpenter ants are another problem. These ants have tunnels that they use to create a home inside a tree. They then eat the wood and leave a pile of wood shavings.
If you notice ants in your garden, you can get rid of them by spraying them with a neem oil. You can also apply neem oil on the tree branches.
However, if you notice ants around your tree, you should immediately remove the tree from your property. The ants can also cause structural damage to your home.
The most obvious sign that you have an ant infestation is a large number of ants on your tree. Ants like to live in colonies. Usually, an ant colony is made up of a few hundred to millions of ants.
If your tree has a significant decay situation, you should get an arborist to take a look at it. Decay can be caused by mechanical injury, disease, or environmental conditions. It’s a good idea to treat these problems to prevent the decay from worsening.
