Carpenter ants are one of the most common pests in the United States. Though they are not known to transmit disease they can cause damage to your home if left unchecked. If you have carpenter ants in your trees it’s important to take steps to get rid of them before they do any damage.
There are a few different ways to get rid of carpenter ants in trees naturally. One way is to use a mixture of Borax and sugar. This will attract the ants and kill them. Another way is to use a soap and water solution. This will kill the ants on contact.
If you have a carpenter ant problem in your trees it’s important to take action quickly. These pests can do a lot of damage if left unchecked. By taking steps to get rid of them naturally you can help keep your trees healthy and free of these unwanted pests.
What are carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are large (¼ to ½ inch long) black or brown ants that live in trees stumps and logs and build their nests by hollowing out sections of wood.
What do carpenter ants eat?
Carpenter ants eat a variety of foods including live and dead insects other arthropods honeydew (the sugary secretions of aphids and other sucking insects) and sweets.
How did I get carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are mostly found outdoors in moist wooded areas.
However they will also nest in buildings if they can find a source of water.
Carpenter ants often enter homes through cracks and holes in the foundation or through gaps around doors and windows.
Once inside they establish satellite nests connected to the main nest by small tunnels.
What are the signs of carpenter ants in my tree?
One sign of a carpenter ant infestation is the presence of small (1/8-inch long) winged carpenter ants called “swarmers” inside your home.
These ants are usually seen in the spring or summer.
Carpenter ants also leave behind piles of sawdust near their nesting sites.
Are carpenter ants harmful to my tree?
While carpenter ants do not eat wood they can cause extensive damage to trees as they tunnel through the wood to build their nests.
The nesting activity of carpenter ants can weaken and even kill trees.
How can I get rid of carpenter ants in my tree naturally?
There are a number of ways to get rid of carpenter ants in your tree naturally.
One way is to mix equal parts of flour and Borax together and sprinkle it around the base of the tree.
The ants will take the Borax back to their nest and it will kill them.
You can also try using a mixture of water and vinegar.
Simply spray the mixture onto the ants and their nest.
The ants will not be able to stand the vinegar and will die.
You can also try using diatomaceous earth.
This natural powder will kill the ants as they walk through it.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of algae.
It is often used as a natural insecticide.
How does diatomaceous earth kill carpenter ants?
The powdery texture of diatomaceous earth cuts through the ant’s exoskeleton causing it to dehydrate and die.
Will diatomaceous earth kill other insects?
Yes diatomaceous earth will kill other insects such as earwigs cockroaches and fleas.
How do I apply diatomaceous earth to get rid of carpenter ants?
You can apply diatomaceous earth around the base of your tree or wherever you see carpenter ants.
You can also apply it to their nest.
How often do I need to apply diatomaceous earth?
You will need to reapply diatomaceous earth every few days or after it rains as the powder will become wet and will no longer be effective.
What other natural methods can I use to get rid of carpenter ants?
You can also try using a mixture of water and vinegar.
Simply spray the mixture onto the ants and their nest.
The ants will not be able to stand the vinegar and will die.
How do I make a water and vinegar solution?
To make a water and vinegar solution mix equal parts of water and vinegar together.
How do I apply the water and vinegar solution?
Simply spray the mixture onto the ants and their nest.
How often do I need to apply the water and vinegar solution?
You will need to reapply the water and vinegar solution every few days or after it rains as the vinegar will become diluted and will no longer be effective.
