Carpenter ants...

[recycled sixtie]

Would like your opinion on these carpenter ants in my willow tree?

[recycled sixtie]

To further add a little more info and I did google carpenter ants but would like some info from any tree experts? Do carpenter ants compromise the structure of the tree?

There is a trailer next door that could be damaged if the tree or large branch fell on it.
Your opinions would be appreciated. The tree I believe is a corkscrew willow.

Cheers, Guy

[p911dad]

Get an exterminator. We had a colony get established in the little open kitchen area on our deck and did so much damage over last winter we had to rip it all off the deck and replace several deck boards. Thankfully they didn't get into the deck structure underneath. Hungry little devils. I had a vinyl cover over the sink and counter and they did their work in the dark over the winter.

[frosty2]

Hi , I had the little buggers show up in a maple tree in my yard this summer and after trying a couple brands of and spray I stumbled across this foam ant spray and that was it all gone, no more ants in the crack of the tree.

[flatbutt]

Given enough time they will destroy the tree. They don't eat it. They make themselves at home. I lost a YUGE oak to them.

[NYNick]

I see you are in Canada. Be happy they aren't in your house. Mine invaded our cottage and were next to impossible to get rid of.

There is always a "home nest" somewhere. They commute back and forth. If their home is in this tree, treat it aggressively. Unfortunately, they may just move to another tree.

Good luck

[908/930]

What works is slowly poisoning them, if you disturb them and miss some they will try to relocate. I have used Borax (laundry additive)(1/2tsp) and white sugar(1/2tsp) with a little hot water and mix into a paste and apply at a couple spots on the tree, just small amounts, every day for a couple weeks. If it is dry out you can also dust the lower tree with Borax.

[flatbutt]

Borax does work but slowly. It sticks to them and when they clean themselves they ingest it and die. At least I think that's how it goes.