Carpenter ants

Question

I have this beautiful Quaking Aspen or Poplar tree. I think I might have damaged it by weedwhipping too close and creating a scar. Now there is a big hole and carpenter ants are climbing all over. Although it seems to be thriving! Are the ants harmful to my 3 years old tree? and what should I do?

Answer 1

Yes they can be harmful. They use the wood decay cavity and usually don't invade live tissue, but with their nest and activity they can prevent normal closure of the wound.

You can use ant bait or spray drench the entry and surrounding area with ant insecticide as a contact knock down and residual preventive barrier.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/home-remedies-carpenter-ants.htm