Plant Health Care Services in Lancaster Pa

Professional Tip: If you notice a limb dying here then there, over a period of time. Then more then likely Ants have entered your tree. Most experts wont tell you that. 90% of all the dead trees we remove are due to carpenter ants. Most homeowners can never tell into its to late. So I included this article so you can take preemptive actions to make sure your trees don’t fall victim to Carpenter Ants.

Trees are some of the most valuable assets in any landscape, providing shade, beauty, and benefits to the environment. However, when carpenter ants invade, they can compromise the health of your tree, accelerating decay and even causing structural damage. If you’ve noticed sawdust-like material at the base of your tree, hollow-sounding wood, or large black ants scurrying around, it’s a sign that carpenter ants may have moved in.

But don’t worry—there are effective DIY ways to save your tree! One of the most efficient solutions is using boric acid, a natural insecticide that can help eliminate these destructive pests. Let’s dive into how carpenter ants affect your tree, and how boric acid can rid them before it’s too late.

Understanding Carpenter Ants and Tree Damage

Carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood, but they tunnel through it to build their nests, preferring wood that’s already damp or decayed. These pests are often found in trees that are already weakened by rot, fungus, or damage, and their tunneling can accelerate the decline of an already struggling tree. While the ants themselves don’t directly kill the tree, their presence can be a red flag that your tree is in distress and needs immediate attention.

Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation:

• Wood shavings or sawdust around the base of the tree (this is called frass).
• Hollow-sounding wood or areas that give way when pressed.
• Ant trails moving in and out of cracks in the bark or trunk.
• Noticeable decay or fungus at the base of the tree.

Once you’ve identified a carpenter ant infestation, taking quick action is vital to halt further damage.

Real-Life Example: Saving an Oak Tree from Carpenter Ants

At Douglas Tree Service, we were recently called to a property in Lititz, PA, where a homeowner was concerned about an ancient oak tree that had started showing signs of decay. Upon closer inspection, we discovered a carpenter ant infestation. Sawdust and frass were piled at the base of the tree, and there were visible entry points where ants were actively entering and exiting.

This oak had significant sentimental value to the homeowner, so we decided to try a non-invasive, DIY-style treatment using boric acid. After creating a boric acid solution mixed with sugar water, we placed bait stations at the base of the tree, near the ant trails. Over a few weeks, the ants took the bait back to their nest, and the colony was successfully eradicated.

After addressing the carpenter ants, we pruned the deadwood and treated the tree with nutrient-rich mulch to encourage its recovery. Today, the oak is thriving, much to the relief of the homeowner.

How to Use Boric Acid to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Boric acid is a natural insecticide that disrupts the digestive system of carpenter ants when ingested. The ants bring the boric acid back to their colony, gradually eliminating the infestation. Here’s how you can apply it:

1. Locate the Nest or Entry Points

First, observe where the ants are entering and exiting the tree. Look for cracks, holes, or damaged bark where ants may be trailing in and out. These are likely the entrance to their nest. If you cant find the nest, prepare the solution to bait them out, so they can carry back to the nest and eventually kill the queen.

2. Prepare a Boric Acid Solution

To make the boric acid solution, you’ll need:

• Boric acid powder (available at most hardware or garden stores)
• Sugar or honey (to attract the ants)
• Water

Mix 1 tablespoon of boric acid powder with 1 cup of water and a small amount of sugar or honey to form a sweet bait. The sugar attracts the ants, while the boric acid will kill them.

3. Apply the Solution

There are a few methods you can use to apply the boric acid solution:

• Liquid bait method: Soak cotton balls in the boric acid solution and place them near the base of the tree or along ant trails. The ants will be attracted to the sugar, take the bait, and carry it back to the colony.

• Dust method: If you can locate the nest or entry holes, you can also apply boric acid powder directly into the nest. Use a puffer or applicator to blow the powder into the cracks where the ants are entering. This method allows the ants to come into direct contact with the powder, which will slowly poison them.

4. Monitor the Progress

It can take a few days to a couple of weeks for the entire colony to be affected, so monitor the tree regularly. You should start seeing fewer ants within a few days as they ingest the boric acid and die off.

5. Repeat as Necessary

Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to reapply the boric acid solution after a week. Continue the treatment until you no longer see ant activity around the tree.

Case Study: The Silver Maple Rescue

In Lancaster, PA, we encountered a client who was worried about a silver maple in their backyard. Carpenter ants were visibly tunneling through the lower trunk, and the tree was shedding bark at an alarming rate. The client initially thought the tree needed to be removed, but we saw an opportunity to save it.

After applying a boric acid dust directly into the cavities where the ants had created nests, the ants were eliminated over a 10-day period. Once the ants were gone, we removed the damaged portions of the tree and applied a fungicide to stop any further decay. The tree survived and has continued to flourish, much to the homeowner’s surprise.

Prevent Future Infestations

While boric acid is effective at killing carpenter ants, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the infestation—damp, decaying wood. Carpenter ants are attracted to trees that have already been weakened by rot, disease, or injury, so take steps to improve your tree’s health and prevent future problems.

• Trim dead or decaying branches: Remove any limbs that show signs of rot or decay to eliminate potential nesting areas.
• Improve drainage: Ensure the soil around the base of your tree isn’t waterlogged, which can lead to wood decay.
• Apply a mulch barrier: A properly maintained mulch ring around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and protect roots, but make sure it isn’t piled against the trunk, as this can promote decay.

Case Study: Preventative Care in Manheim

In another instance, a large elm tree in Manheim, PA showed early signs of decay after a heavy storm damaged some of its branches. To prevent carpenter ants from invading the weakened wood, we pruned the damaged limbs, applied mulch around the root zone, and treated the trunk with a natural fungicide. This proactive approach helped the tree recover without ever attracting pests, and the homeowner continues to enjoy the elm’s shade and beauty.

When to Call a Professional Arborist

While DIY solutions like boric acid can be effective for eliminating carpenter ants, you should always assess the overall health of the tree. If your tree shows signs of extensive decay, structural weakness, or advanced infestation, it’s time to call a certified arborist. A professional can perform a thorough risk assessment and recommend more advanced treatments or, if necessary, safe tree removal.

At Douglas Tree Service, we specialize in diagnosing tree health issues, including pest infestations like carpenter ants. With over 20 years of experience in tree care across Lancaster County, PA, Robert Douglas is a certified arborist who knows how to protect your trees and enhance your landscape. Whether you need pest control, tree pruning, or expert advice, Douglas Tree Service is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and keep your trees healthy for years to come!