It is not uncommon to find ants invading an apple tree. Ants significantly weaken the tree and can cause extensive or irreversible damage. As such, it is important to take proactive measures to prevent or reduce ant infestations in apple tree. Here are some effective tips for how to stop ants on an apple tree.
Prune the Apple Tree
Prune the apple tree regularly to reduce its canopy size and minimise the area from which ants can invade the tree. Pruning a tree will substantially reduce the population of ants by freeing the tree from obstructive branches that may provide passages for the ants. This method is also effective in preventing mold and infestations from other insects.
Use Natural Insect Repellents
Using natural insect repellents is a safe and effective way to prevent and reduce ant infestations. Sprinkle pepper or other spices in the soil around the tree, as ants do not like the taste of them. You can also sprinkle garlic and onion powder or spray vinegar around the tree as ants are repelled by the strong odour of these natural repellents. There are also some commercially available insecticides that can be used to repel and reduce ant colonies.
Keep the Apple Tree Clean
Regularly remove any fallen apples or nuts from the tree and dispose of them in an appropriate and sealed container. This will prevent the ants from using the fallen fruit as sources of food and, therefore, reduce their chance of entering the apple tree. Make sure all the branches are clear of dead leaves and branches, as these can provide shelter for ants. Also rake any grass or weeds nearby to discourage the ants from establishing camp.
Fabric Barriers
Fabric barriers are a physical way to stop ant infestations. Place a barrier around the tree to provide a physical obstruction to the ants’ entry. This can be done using a strip of aluminum foil, nylon, or hardware cloth wrapped around the tree from ground level to just beneath the lowest branch. Make sure there are no gaps in the barrier and that the surface is smooth so that the ants are unable to penetrate.
Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are an effective way to reduce and even eliminate ant infestations. Place sticky traps on the tree trunk and surrounding tree branches and/or in the soil around the tree. The trap bottoms are covered with a sticky material to which the ants will become attached as they attempt to cross it. These traps should be checked frequently and their contents replaced to increase their effectiveness.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic, organic material that can be used to control and eliminate ant infestations. Apply a thin layer of DE within a one-mile radius of the apple tree. DE is composed of fossilised microscopic organisms which act on an insect’s exoskeleton, dehydrating them. This will effectively protect the tree against any ant invasion. Additionally, DE can be used to defend against other insects and pests that may enter the tree.
Spray the Tree with a Pesticide
Applying a pesticide is an effective way to manage and eliminate ant infestations. Use a pesticide specifically designed for exterminating ants, such as bifenthrin or permethrin. If a pesticide is used, be sure to avoid spraying any products near the tree itself, as this can be damaging. Instead, spray a 24-inch perimeter around the tree to ensure that any potential pests are fended off.
Gutter Protection
Gutter protection is a preventative measure that can be used to protect against future ant invasions. Installing gutter protection such as gutter guard will block ants from entering the apple tree’s gutter and nesting in the rainwater that collects there. Additionally, it will reduce leaf debris and other debris that accumulate in the gutter, which acts as a food source for ants.
Maintain the Tree
Ensure that the apple tree is well-maintained by regularly pruning the branches, removing any damaged or diseased leaves, and applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree. This will reduce the population of ants around the apple tree and prevent them from establishing a camp in the mulch or beneath the tree.
Soapy Water
Spraying soapy water on tree branches and trunks is a quick and effective way to rid the tree of ants. The soap’s molecules weaken the ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Make sure to remove any soapy residue from the tree after spraying, as it can damage the leaves.
Trapping Ants
Trapping ants can help reduce their overall numbers and keep the ant population down. Place some food, such as apple or honey, in a shallow container and place it on the ground near the tree. The ants will be attracted to the food and get trapped in the container. This will help to reduce the number of ants on the apple tree, as well as limit their food sources.
Keep the Soil Healthy
Healthy soil is essential for the tree’s overall health, and ants are less likely to invade a tree if it is surrounded by nutrient-rich soil. Make sure that the soil around the tree is correctly aerated and watered regularly. This can be done by installing a soil moisture meter, which will alert you when it is time to water the tree.
Ant-repelling Plants
Planting ant-repelling plants such as mint or basil around the tree will help to keep ants away from the apple tree. The pungent scent of these plants will repel the ants and make it difficult for them to access the tree. Additionally, the plants can act as a natural barrier between the ants and the apple tree.
