Carpenter ants eating maple tree - Ask Extension
My large mature maple tree has two areas at the bottom where it appears carpenter ants have bored into the base -- there is a great deal of "sawd...
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Carpenter ants eating maple tree #871185
Asked June 02, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
My large mature maple tree has two areas at the bottom where it appears carpenter ants have bored into the base -- there is a great deal of "sawdust" near the sites and I can see the ants. Should this be treated in some way? Will it harm the tree?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Kathy,
It's troubling to hear that you think carpenter ants are boring through your maple because carpenter ants typically nest in wood that has been damage by fungus or water. The ants will not kill your tree and they are not eating your tree, but they are a sign that your maple may have other problem(s).
Controlling the ants will not prolong the life of your tree as the ants are taking advantage of preexisting soft, weak wood to establish their colony. Insects, disease, or environmental conditions such as drought are often responsible for weakening and killing limbs or sections of trees.
I recommend that you have a certify arborist examine for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
For short term treatment, you can apply an insecticide that is specifically label for ants (either dust or spray). Please follow the label instructions for efficacy as well as for your own protection -plus it's the law. But note that these treatments will not be likely to permanently rid you of the colony so retreatment every year or so may be necessary.
Below are a few links for more detailed reading.
Carpenter Ants | Ohioline (osu.edu)
Carpenter ants nesting in trees and homes - MSU Extension
Carpenter Ants in Trees | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)
I hope the above helps you decide what to do.
It's troubling to hear that you think carpenter ants are boring through your maple because carpenter ants typically nest in wood that has been damage by fungus or water. The ants will not kill your tree and they are not eating your tree, but they are a sign that your maple may have other problem(s).
Controlling the ants will not prolong the life of your tree as the ants are taking advantage of preexisting soft, weak wood to establish their colony. Insects, disease, or environmental conditions such as drought are often responsible for weakening and killing limbs or sections of trees.
I recommend that you have a certify arborist examine for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
For short term treatment, you can apply an insecticide that is specifically label for ants (either dust or spray). Please follow the label instructions for efficacy as well as for your own protection -plus it's the law. But note that these treatments will not be likely to permanently rid you of the colony so retreatment every year or so may be necessary.
Below are a few links for more detailed reading.
Carpenter Ants | Ohioline (osu.edu)
Carpenter ants nesting in trees and homes - MSU Extension
Carpenter Ants in Trees | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)
I hope the above helps you decide what to do.
