Carpenter Ants in Live Oak: Holes Are From Decay, Not Ants

75+ year old live oak has large trunk holes with fine sawdust-like material and carpenter ants. Owner fears ants are killing the tree.

Ants Are Cleanup Crew, Not Killers

Carpenter ants nest in:

• Rotted heartwood
• Decayed wood from previous damage

They excavate already-soft wood. The holes were caused by fungi, insects, lightning, or age—not ants.

Tree Health: No Ant Treatment Needed

Ants don't harm living tissue. Control only if they invade structures.

If Structural Invasion Occurs

• Bait with boric acid/sugar water or commercial products (Terro).
• Slow but effective colony elimination.

Focus on tree health: water, fertilize, and monitor for actual pathogens.