ANTS ANTS AND MORE ANTS!!! HELP ME!!

[Rapunzel]

I brought a tree... It was my pride and joy!!
Salix integra 'Hakuro nishiki' some kind of willow....

Well.... One day after planting it, I've come home from work.... and the ants have moved in!! They are swarming my tree everywhere!!
How do I get rid of these without harming my tree in the process....
:cry:

[Newt]

Hi Rapunzel,
Gosh, that sounds awful. I'm wondering how long the tree has been planted and where you got it. You also don't say where you live, so I'm wondering if these could be fire ants. I know that mailorder houses from certain states are supposed to treat their plants for fire ants when they are shipped with soil. Another problem that I personally encountered was ants on a cherry tree marching from the tree to my house and back again. They ended up being carpenter ants and were munching on my house!! Here's some sites with environmentally friendly solutions for different types of ants.

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html
http://fireant.tamu.edu/materials/fa...s/fapfs014.htm
http://fireant.tamu.edu/materials/fa...s/fapfs012.htm
http://entweb.clemson.edu/fireant/
http://entowww.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/l-1783.html

Hope this helps,
Newt

[Rapunzel]

I am from the uk,
As far as I know the ants were not on the tree when I brought it,
I picked it up quite cheap from a garden centre, And I definatly did not plant the tree in a ants nest, I was careful to inspect the land well.
I am at my wits end here, Unsure why they want my plant, however, I found a few under the kitchen sink earlier and I also found pieces of my tree on my door step which they had obviously decided they didnt like it anymore!!
I will look at the sites, thank you for your reply. Just wish the little beasties would go somewhere else,
I have concidered putting some sugary substance down in the garden to lure them away? am I asking for trouble doing this...?

[Newt]

Rapunzel,

You really should note your UK location on your profile. It would be a big help to us when we try and help you. Just putting sugar down isn't going to help your situation and will feed them more. You will need to mix it with boric acid. Those sites tell you how.

Good luck,
Newt

[Rapunzel]

Thanks for your reply, I have changed my profile now, thank you for your help. I have looked at the sites and decided to band the tree to stick the ants, I am hoping this works before my baby wilts away :)
Thanks again for your help much appreciated.

[Newt]

You are so welcome! I hope that works!
Newt

[Rapunzel]

me too!! :D