How to Keep Ants Away From Citrus Trees
- 1). Prune off any branches that are within 12 to 30 inches from the ground. Use a pruning pole to cut next to the branch collar or swelling that attaches the branch to the trunk. Cut in a downward 45-degree angle.
- 2). Apply sticky material that contains polybutenes and is not oil-based, because the oil will cause harm to the tree. Reapply according to the directions, but generally the sticky material will last from two to 10 months.
- 3). Water away from the trunk. Prevent water from pooling underneath the trunk by building a circular mound around the trunk area with dirt.
- 4). Set ant baits around the citrus tree. Ant baits contain food that is laced with poison that the ant brings back to the colony. Expect to have to wait several weeks to see a reduction in ants. Determine what type of bait to use by looking at the ants. Fire ants prefer protein, while gray and black ants like sugar. Allow the type of ant that is infesting your tree determine what type of bait to use.
- 5). Spray a broad-spectrum chlorpyrifos insecticide at the base of the tree to kill off the worker ants. Reapply the spray according to the directions.
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