Is there a carpenter ant insecticide available that can be applied to the roots of a tree in order to kill the infestation? I have a 60ft high Ash tree infested with carpenter ants. It’s not practical to treat the tree with a sprayer. Please let me know. Thanks!

What I think you’re asking for is something that will work as a systemic? These type of products are applied to the soil where they get absorbed by the roots of the treated plant which then enables the active ingredient to get distributed throughout the plants foliage. Is this what you mean?

Well, there are systemic products like Dominion and Merit which are used to control pests when used this way. But they only work on pests that “eat” the treated plant. And since carpenter ants aren’t eating the ash, systemic’s won’t help.

Dominion 2L:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/dominion-2l-termiticide-insecticide

Merit WP: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/wettable-powder/merit-75-wp-2-oz

But will be very effective is PHANTOM even if you can’t reach up all that high, you’ll only need to get a few ants to walk over treated areas to take care of the problem. And here’s why.

Phantom works slowly. It typically takes 3-5 days for it to start working. And it’s non repelling so ants will walk over treated surfaces without a care.

Now after they walk over it, they’ll pick up trace amounts which are then brought back to the nest where the active will be shared with other members of the colony. In fact it will only take a few ants walking over the treatment and bringing it back to the nest to knock it out.

So for this situation, if you spray as much of the tree trunk, lower branches and any ant trails you see with a mixture of Phantom, you’ll be able to kill nests which are far away and not “reachable”. And since Phantom works the same when used around the home for other pests, it’s a great way to treat most any pest problem.

Phantom EC:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/phantom-21-oz