Many fruit trees are invaded by ants, but ants on fig trees can be especially problematic because many types of figs have an opening through which these insects can readily enter and spoil the fruit. Learn more about controlling ants in fig trees in this article.
Reasons for Fig Tree Ants
Botanically speaking, fig is not exactly a fruit; it is a special structure called synconium, which protects a bunch of tiny flowers that are arranged within its cavity. There is a small opening called ostiole, or eye, through which wasps enter the chamber inside and fertilize the flowers. When the fig is ripe, other insects (including ants) also enter the fruit through this opening to take a free meal. Figs need to be ripened on the tree because they stop sugar conversion once plucked. Fig tree ripening is often accompanied by the oozing out of a drop of sweet nectar through the eye. Modern cultivars have been developed to do away with fertilization and they have closed eyes. However, that does not keep ants off fig trees. You may find ants in fig trees that are not bearing any fruits. If you observe closely, you'll find colonies of aphids and other soft-bodied pests on the tender branches and under the leaves of the fig tree. The fig tree ants are farming these insects to harvest honeydew, so the first step in protecting fig trees from ants is to protect them from honeydew-secreting insects. Ants often carry aphidsfrom other plants that harbor them; they protect aphidsfrom their natural enemies too. Measures to control ants in fig trees involve restricting their movement to and from the trees. Chemicals can effectively control aphids and ants, but they are better avoided in fruit trees. Any day, natural control measures are preferable to chemical control.
Controlling Ants in Fig Trees
Here are some eco-friendly and non-toxic tips to prevent ants from colonizing your fig tree and spoiling your fig crop:
- Clean the area around the fig tree of all debris - Keeping the a few feet around the tree spotlessly clean will help you observe ant movements so that you can take protective measures immediately.
- Spray the fig tree with water - Use a powerful water jet to dislodge aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs from the trees. Keep at it for several days in a row and ensure that the tree as well as the ground around remains wet. It may persuade the ants to look for another host for its farming operations. Neem oil will also help get rid of the honeydew secreting insects.
- Remove plants and trees that serve as hosts to honeydew insects and ants - Look for aphid infestation and ant colonies in your yard and destroy the host plants.
- Introduce mechanical barriers - Chalk powder or diatomaceous earth may be spread around the base of the fig tree to create a mechanical barrier. The latter can destroy ant colonies when ants carry the sharp pieces home.
- Install traps for ants - Mechanical traps for ants include sticky materials such as petroleum jelly or Tanglefoot. Tie a band of tape around the tree and smear the sticky material. You may have to observe the movement of the ants and replenish the sticky barrier once every week or so. Biological traps can be made with edible material that will kill the ants on ingestion. Powdered sugar mixed with boric acid powder or cornmeal can kill the ants that eat it.
- Plant a circle of ant-repelling plants around the fig tree - Odoriferous plants like geranium, chrysanthemum and garlic are known to repel ants. Make protective cordon around the tree with these plants.
With early intervention and constant diligence, you can keep ants away from the fig tree without resorting to chemical sprays.
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FAQs
Install traps for ants - Mechanical traps for ants include sticky materials such as petroleum jelly or Tanglefoot. Tie a band of tape around the tree and smear the sticky material. You may have to observe the movement of the ants and replenish the sticky barrier once every week or so.
What kills ants but not trees? ›
Diatomaceous Earth
This is a type of organic natural insecticide made of diatoms - an algae species common in open water. As this insect repellent is made of algae, it is harmless to grass and plants.
What can I spray on my fig tree? ›
You don't way to spray fig trees when they're loaded with figs, but you can apply a fungicide when they're dormant and before figs start forming. There are lots of good options for a dormant spray on fig trees, including neem oil, copper fungicide, and several other fungicides labeled for fig trees.
What can I put around my tree to keep ants away? ›
Ants are repelled by peppermint, so once they catch wind of the scent, they'll soon vacate the tree. You could also line the bottom of the tree with ant bait, which allows you to capture them as they travel to and from the tree.
Do coffee grounds repel ants? ›
“There have been studies in labs that indicate coffee grounds can have some repellent effect on household ants, at least in the short term,” he says. “Coffee grounds, and other spices with strong odors, like cinnamon, can have some repellent effect.”
Why are ants all over my fig tree? ›
Reasons for Fig Tree Ants
When the fig is ripe, other insects (including ants) also enter the fruit through this opening to take a free meal. Figs need to be ripened on the tree because they stop sugar conversion once plucked.
What is a natural ant repellent for fruit trees? ›
Vinegar – similar to lemon juice, a 50/50 vinegar to water concentration will destroy the ants scent trail as well as often killing ants on contact. Test a small spot first and wait a day to take note of any burn marks on the plants, as vinegar can be very astringent to more delicate leaves.
What do ants hate the most? ›
Household items like citrus fruits, black pepper, peppermint oil, cayenne, thyme, and lavender can create natural ant repellents. Great for avoiding pesticides or conventional ant traps! Mixing parts of these substances with water in a bottle and spraying the solution around the house can keep ants at bay.
Does cinnamon keep ants away? ›
Cinnamon is often regarded as an effective DIY ant control option. It is believed that cinnamon acts as a natural repellent because ants cannot stand the smell. Also, if an ant inhales cinnamon, it can suffocate and die. Ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on an ant's pathway for them to inhale.
Are coffee grounds good for fig trees? ›
Fiddle leaf figs do not like coffee grounds added to their potting medium. Coffee grounds are acidic and can impair the pH balance of your potting medium which will then impact the health of your fiddle leaf fig plant.
It's a good idea to mist new leaf buds, but ONLY the lead buds, and not so much that water drips down the other leaves. Give your new baby buds a good misting a few times every week and use a clean, soft cloth to gently dab up extra water if you'd like.
How do I keep my fig tree happy? ›
How to Keep Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees Alive
- Place it just out of direct sunlight. These babies are so finicky, and I've found that they only live when they're right next to a window, and not directly under it. ...
- Must-have = drainage. ...
- Water well. ...
- Fertilize! ...
- Give it all of the humidity. ...
- Chop off the top.
Use some type of horticultural insecticide or soap to get rid of any sap-feeding insects. This will eliminate the honeydew supply the ants are attracted to. Put baits all around the base of the tree to capture the ants. Spray your tree with a solution that includes 30 drops of peppermint oil and a gallon of water.
What is the best ant killer for trees? ›
When this occurs and you don't want to risk damage to other plants, you can spray your tree with 30 or so drops of peppermint oil and a gallon of water. Ants hate peppermint and as soon as they get a whiff, they'll be gone.
What keeps ants away permanently? ›
Some natural ways to permanently get rid of ants include using water-based mixtures that contain borax and Diatomaceous earth, or pouring boiling water into ant holes. If natural remedies don't help, speak with an exterminator. They'll be able to offer you advice.
