Blog, Plant Health Care, What's Wrong With My Trees?
What’s wrong with my trees? Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants are signs of a more significant problem with your tree.
Carpenter ants are signs of a larger problem in your trees—namely decay and moisture. These ants play an important role in helping dead trees and other organic materials to decompose. They do not feed on the tree but create galleries in the rotting wood to create nests. They feed on honeydew, which is produced by other insects like aphids, as well as other insects.
Signs and symptoms of carpenter ants
Again, the presence of carpenter ants in your trees indicates a larger problem. Signs of carpenter ants in your tree include sawdust and the ants entering and leaving their nest.
Managing carpenter ants on your property
If you have carpenter ants on your property and in your trees, get your trees inspected by a professional ISA Certified Arborist. Depending on their findings, they will inspect the tree for decay and other damage and recommend removal or treatment. They can come inside if their nest is close to your house, especially during the colder months.
Carpenter ants can be controlled by removing dead trees and stumps and keeping your trees healthy through care like pruning.