Question
hi Mike, thanks for your time

I just got a home for the first time.  it has a large (for me) lime
tree (or are they lemons?  cant tell, too green and small).   that
shows you how ignorant i am.  ok, my Q=  i can see a huge
quantity of ants that have made their home just 6" away in the
soil (there is a sizable hole and mound) right at the base of the
tree trunk.  the ants climb into the tree through various lines
and i assume eat the fruits.  NOW, is this bad for the tree and
should i get rid of them immediately, or is this just due part of
nature and the ants (definately regular ants, not termites) are
helping the tree through some fertilization, etc, which I have no
idea what.  or should i kill them immediately and they are
destroying the root system under ground?

my rambling's through, thanks
Tim

Answer
Tim, you definitely want to get rid of the ants. Whether or not they do permanent damage depends on the quantity. But if they are not dealt with now, they will continue to multiply.

There are ant powders that work very effectively. But a more organic approach is a sticky band. You can either purchase pre-glued  bands that wrap around the trunk of the tree, or purchase a product called Tanglefoot, which is a sticky substance you can apply directly to the base of the tree. The ants attempt to climb the tree, but get caught in the trap.

Attached are two links to websites that should provide you with additional information.

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/ant-control.html

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/tanglefoot-pest-barrier.html

Good luck, and please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike