I have a huge Oak tree in front of my house and it has wood ants in it. I've tried orange oil, but that just kills the ones that it comes in contact with. What can i do to kill them off for good?

beekerexpress-
I don't think you need to kill them, do you? They're just doing their job & don't think they hurt the tree.
Patty

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Plano Patty & Jim

so they are good for the tree? i was thinking they'd end up eating/killing the tree.

It's my understanding wood/carpenter ants just eat the dead tissue. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Patty

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Plano Patty & Jim

If you have ants eating dead tissue in your tree, it's because your tree is under stress and parts of it are dying or dead. I'd suggest you use the sick tree treatment and monitor your tree for improved health. Surely you have noticed other symptoms, signs? YOu can kill off the ants but they are not what is harming or killing your tree. Let the ants do their natural work, and take steps to remove or cure the conditions causing the tree to have the dead tissue they are after.

Think - has the tree been physically damaged or underwatered? Overwatered? Poisoned? Any "weed & feed" products applied lately? These answers will give you clues toward what is causing the tree stress.

Ants aren't the sickness - they are a symptom. Much as when a cancer patient receives chemotherapy, their hair falls out. It's a side-effect directed by a natural chain of events.

Hope that helps!
Kathe