Ants on your lemon tree, or any other tree, occur when food or water is available in that area. In this case, the ants may be attracted to the sugary sap that comes out of your lemon tree. The sweet sap that the ants get from your lemon tree serves as a food source for them. The ants use the tree as a shelter and safe harbourage as well, making it their new home. In addition to this, their presence could also be due to the fact that ant colonies store food in trees for sustenance; a lemon tree may be a suitable place for this. Moreover, when ant colonies are disturbed, they tend to relocate and find new suitable habitats, thus making your lemon tree the perfect target.
Attracting Ants
Ants are most attracted to sweetened substances and foods. Your lemon tree sap is a source of sugar and foraging for ants. Furthermore, ants can be drawn to certain plants that have been attacked by mold or rotting fruit; since lemon trees can suffer these issues, ants might be attracted to them. In addition, lemon trees that are frequented by other animals, such as birds and squirrels, can also become attractive to ants as the animals might leave behind food that could be appealing to them. Lastly, over watering or under watering the lemon tree can make it susceptible to fungi or mold, which, in turn, can be attractive to ants.
Containing Ants
To contain or control the number of ants on your lemon tree, the immediate environment should be inspected and the ants’ food source should be identified and removed. Using ant repellents or insecticides on the trunk, branches and leaves of the lemon tree can help reduce the appearance of ants. Additionally, banding the lemon tree in sticky material can stop ants from climbing up the trunk to the branches; however, ensure not to let the material touch the branches and leaves of the tree. Furthermore, an organic insect spray can be applied directly onto the ants; depending on the severity of the ant infestation, multiple treatments might be necessary.
Risks of an Ant Infestation
An ant infestation on a lemon tree can be hazardous, as some species of ants can damage the tree directly or indirectly. Certain species of ants, such as mealybugs, can cause damage to the tree by feeding on its sap and by introducing mealybug eggs and larvae. While the ants themselves don’t eat the actual fruits, they could be carriers of nematodes, fungi or bacteria that could infect the lemon tree. Furthermore, ants can also build nests in the hollow of a lemon tree, which can also cause long-term damage. Additionally, a larger ant population can attract certain predators such as birds, which could also cause damage to the lemon tree.
Benefits of Ants on Trees
Although an ant infestation on a lemon tree could be problematic, certain species of ants provide the tree with certain benefits. Leaf-cutting ants, for example, are known to fertilize the ground due to the natural debris and detritus they carry from the leaves and plants, aiding the tree in absorbing more moisture and nutrients. Additionally, certain reptiles and species of birds source protein from insect-eating ants, making them a valuable food source. Lastly, some species of ants can protect lemon trees from certain insect pests; since they compete with these insects, their presence on the tree can minimize the risk of the lemon tree being damaged by them.
Preventing Ants on Trees
Preventing ants from invading your lemon tree can be done in numerous ways. One ideal way to deter them is by keeping your lemon tree healthy; as a strong and healthy tree can be less likely to attract insect pests. Regular pruning can help to keep the tree in good shape. Additionally, avoiding over-watering the tree can minimize any fungi or diseases that the tree may acquire, which ants often look for when searching for food sources. Lastly, using bait traps around the base of the tree can attract the ants away from the tree and divert their attention to the trap instead.
Natural Ant Repellents
Apart from using synthetic ant repellents, natural products can be used as an ant deterrent on your lemon tree. Peppermint oil, for example, can be used as a natural ant repellent when diluted with water and sprayed around the tree’s base. Furthermore, garlic cloves, when combined with water and liquid soap, can act as a natural ant repellent. Moreover, other natural products such as cinnamon, cloves and cayenne pepper can also be used to keep ants away by rubbing them on the tree’s bark, or even sprinkling them at the base of the tree.
Ant-Proofing Your Tree
An effective way to keep ants from invading your lemon tree is by ant-proofing it. Using sticky bands around the trunk of the tree can help stop ants from climbing up and entering the branches. Additionally, surrounding the tree’s base with diatomaceous earth or talcum powder can help to deter the ants, as well as keeping moisture away. Furthermore, mulching around the tree’s base can keep the surface dry, as this can prevent moisture-seeking ants from building their nests. Moreover, keeping the area clean, free of any residue or food waste can make it unattractive to the ants.
Tree Trunk Treatment
To help keep the ants away from your lemon tree, treating the tree trunk can be effective. Several types of tree trunk treatments are available such as bamboo or plastic guards that can be wrapped around the trunk as a physical barrier to ants. Alternatively, ant repellents can be used on the trunk by spraying ant deterrents such as vinegar, lemon juice or eucalyptus oil onto the bark and leaves of the tree, which can be effective in stopping ants from climbing up the trunk. Additionally, using a protective coating such as wax can also be used to keep ants away.
