Some concern has been expressed regarding the application of sticky polybutene materials directly to the trunk of citrus trees, especially if multiple applications are applied to the same area of the trunk. The sticky material can be applied on top of a tree wrap but this is both laborious and expensive. Do not apply sticky materials to young or topworked trees. Irrigate as needed, but avoid applying water to the trunk and do not allow water to pond near the trunk. Periodically examine bark under trunk wraps of several young trees.
Bordeaux whitewash helps prevent gumming, which attracts ants.
Cultivation also reduces ant populations, but may create so much dust that biological control of other pests is disrupted. No effective natural enemies of the Argentine ant are known. Monitor the orchard in spring when honeydew-producing insects, such as aphids, appear. Periodically inspect for ants and bark damage under the trunk wraps of several young trees. For the most effective and economical ant control, treat when ants are active in spring following winter rains and again in late August.