Tree safe insecticide

[Treeaddict]

A customer is wondering what they can use in a cherry blossom tree to kill the ant colony that won’t harm the tree. I explained the whole “ants are secondary” thing. The tree is healthy but there is a small compartment of decay on a central stub. What would you recommend if they insist to rid the tree of the colony? A natural/organic would be preferred but not mandatory.

 

[lxskllr]

I don't know much about it, but my first inclination would be diatomaceous earth. That's assuming I was willing to take it on in the first place. I'm getting to a point in my life where I'm not that willing to do dumb shit. It's my way or no way. Everything serves a role, including the ants. The best outcome that can be expected is neutral, and it can only get worse from there.

 

[Kaveman]

Coffee grounds will make a colony move. It won't hurt it, but it'll make it move.

 

[Treeaddict]

I’m not going to do the job, just tell him what won’t kill the tree.

 

[lxskllr]

If you wanted to tell them something that would make them happier, say the ants may keep termites out of the tree. That's a bit of a lie. Ants and termites can coexist if they stay out of each other's way. The rivalry is a bit overstated, but there's an element of truth there.

 

[BIGTWIG]

I would be very cautious of recommending insecticides if you are not a licensed applicator, or do not understand pesticide labels.
There is a lot more to recommending pesticides than what won't harm the tree.
For example: flowering trees, pollinators, label rates, and environmental impacts.

 

[SeanKroll]

Is the customer looking for professional advice?

They should pay a knowledgeable professional.

 

[Treeaddict]

I was thinking more along the homeopathic route or OTC that he could apply that would be relatively benign.

I suppose the coffe grounds or DE wouldn’t have much of an impact on anything.

 

[BIGTWIG]

There are plenty of OTC insecticides that can negatively affect pollinators and the environment with improper rates, timing, and application.

Again, I would highly suggest understanding pesticide labels before offering any sort of advice.