How to treat lime tree with ants in roots?

[Bennn]

Hi 👋, 

I saw many ants that seem to be living in the lime tree roots. What are my options for getting rid of them? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bennn,

Thank you for your question.

If these are your regular garden variety black ants, then I would question whether you need to do anything. 

Ants often get a bad reputation, but they play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. One of the most important ways they help is by improving soil health. As they tunnel through the soil, they create tiny air pockets that enhance aeration and drainage. This loosens compacted soil, making it easier for plant roots to access oxygen and water, ultimately leading to healthier plants.

Another key benefit is their role in decomposition. Ants break down organic matter by feeding on dead insects, plant debris, and fungi. This process helps return essential nutrients to the soil, enriching it naturally. In this way, ants contribute to soil fertility and help plants thrive without the need for excessive fertilizers.

Ants also serve as a form of natural pest control. Many species prey on small insects like caterpillars, termites, and grubs, which can damage plants. By keeping these pest populations in check, ants help maintain a healthier garden environment without the need for chemical pesticides.

If they are not negatively affecting your plants or your comfort, I would seriously consider leaving them alone.

If you must get rid of them, then you can use Richgro Ready To Use Ant Spider And Cockroach Killer.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Bennn]

 

 

Thanks Jacob, 

This year, many leaves are falling and drying out. I prefer not to use any chemical as the three full of Limes. These picture of leaves and ants, but if I could send a video, you would see the ants in the better quality

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bennn,

Ants themselves don’t usually cause leaf drop in lime trees, but their presence could be a sign of another issue. 

Ants are often attracted to honeydew, a sticky substance secreted by sap-sucking pests like aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the tree’s sap, which can weaken the plant, leading to yellowing, leaf drop, and overall decline.

Can you inspect the leaves of your lime tree to see if there are any other signs of insects?

Some wider shots of the tree would also help our members to identify possible causes and solutions to your problem.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

[Bennn]

Mate, some picture of 2 trees that next to each other (lime and lemon). Picture if leaves and trees. Let me know if need more pic or specific pic. 

Many thanks

 

 

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bennn,

Your trees look like they are in relatively good condition, and I don't see any real cause for alarm. A few fallen leaves do not indicate a major issue, and they may just be from aging.

I do note that your second and third photos show what look to be mealybugs. 

Is there more evidence of these bugs elsewhere in the trees? Anything that looks like below? 

It doesn't seem to have a major infestation, but you can treat them with Yates Nature's Way Vegie And Herb Concentrate, which is a natural soap made from vegetable oils. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure the best result possible.

Allow me to tag some of our experienced gardeners such as @mich1972, @mashthyme and @Noelle to see what they think.

Jacob

[mich1972]

Good Afternoon @Bennn If you have an infestation of ants around a plant it normally means you may have some type of sap sucking insects on the tree. Main ones are Scale Insects , Mealy Bugs. They have a sticky secretion and the ants absolutely love it and the will actually look after them and move them around. It's a bit had to tell. If you have a closer look at your tree and surrounding trees and also check the branches and stems and see if you find anything. I agree with Jacob using a safe natural spray. I'm just going to wait to see what @Noelle advises

[Noelle]

Hi @Bennn and @mich1972 

Jacob and Mich1972 are spot-on with diagnosis and treatment options. Once the scale/mealy bugs, the ants will disappear too. A natural insecticide combined with an eco oil to penetrate the scale's waxy coating will control them fairly quickly.

[Bennn]

Thanks @Noelle @mich1972 @JacobZ  for your help. 

just wondering is it ok to use eco oil while the tree had fruit?

[mich1972]

Yes that’s ok, just make sure it’s not applied during the heat of the day.