Can cherry trees be damaged by ants?
We recently talked to an expert about the benefits of ants as well as the dangers of their overpopulation if they overfeed on trees. To help you decide what to do with ant mounds, we spoke with an expert to get more information on what to do when you see them in your yard.
There are people who ask me about my cherry tree and every year the ants come and tap away at the bark of the tree and it looks like a clear sticky substance. What can I do to get rid of this?
It is important to note that the “clear sticky substance” that you explained was called “honeydew” or “sap exudation.” This substance is produced by ants that feed on the sap on cherry tree leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, branches, and trunks.
Definitely. Ants will damage cherry trees by tapping sap from the leaves, stems, flowers or fruits of the tree, and then eating it. It is believed that cherry trees produce a lot of “honeydew” that drips from the tips of branches and can form large globules of honeydew within a year if not taken care of by the ants. This honeydew can form in a football shape on the leaves of cherry trees.
What are the effects of ants on cherry trees?
Sadly, this is becoming a huge problem for cherry trees. The ants are unable to be removed, and their waste is covering the leaves. What can you do?
The ants can be removed at home using home remedies, but we strongly recommend that you consult with a professional who can help you identify ants, their sap, and determine if you need to spray the tree in order to prevent them from returning. To find out which insecticide you should use and at what dosage level to use it, we recommend that you contact your local county extension office.
I have noticed that my cherry tree has been infested with ants. Why is this happening?
A cherry tree is damaged by ants which tap liquid from its leaves, flowers and fruits, which is known as honeydew, a liquid which can drip from the branches of the cherry tree and form large globules of liquid over time. In order to feed on this honeydew, which is produced when the ants eat sap from the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits of cherry trees, the ants consume it.
My cherry tree is being eaten by ants. How can I stop them from doing so?
You can keep ants off your cherry tree by killing the queen. By doing so you will stop the ants’ reproduction in your yard and all the ants will stay away from your cherry tree.
A second option would be to purchase some ant traps. These traps are easy to set up and cost around $6 per trap. You can place them near the cherry tree if you like.”
You may also want to hire a professional to assist you in watching out for ants and their sap as well as determining if you must spray the tree. It is important that you contact your local extension office if it does to find out what insecticide to use and at what dosage level it should be used in.
The home remedies for removing ants are many, but it’s best to contact a professional to determine whether the tree needs to be sprayed and if it’s necessary to watch for ants and their sap before spraying it.