Carpenter Ant Tree and Stump Treatment
Target Pests (1)
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenter Ant | Camponotus spp. | Ants |
Application Method
Treat trees, stumps, and landscape timber where carpenter ant parent colonies typically nest. Apply liquid insecticide (non-repellent preferred) to bark of infested trees, treating trunk from ground to 6 feet height. For stumps: apply liquid treatment to entire stump surface, holes, and cracks. Drill 1/2 inch holes into stump and inject insecticidal foam or liquid. For landscape timbers and railroad ties: treat contact points with soil and all cracks and crevices. Carpenter ants often nest in rotting wood outdoors then send foragers into structures. Eliminating outdoor parent colonies critical for long-term control. Look for frass (sawdust-like material) as indicator of active galleries.
Timing
Treat in spring and early summer when ants most active. Can treat any time ants observed in outdoor wood.
Frequency
Initial treatment with follow-up in 3-4 weeks if activity persists. Annual preventative treatment if trees and stumps remain.
Preparation Required
Inspect trees and stumps for carpenter ant activity (frass, ant trails). Tap on wood to locate hollow galleries. Identify all outdoor wood structures with carpenter ant activity.
Follow-up Required
Monitor for continued ant activity. Recommend customer removes stumps and landscape timbers when possible. Replace rotting wood in contact with soil. Monitor for carpenter ant activity in structure to verify outdoor nests eliminated.
Safety Precautions
- Requires licensed pest management professional
- Do not treat trees with open cavities where product could drain into soil
- Avoid excessive drilling of healthy trees
- Keep people and pets away from treated areas until dry
- Do not contaminate water sources