Ants themselves aren't a problem with plants, but can be a sign of aphids, etc., which are a problem. Also ants, in their tunneling, can help in keeping soils aerated.
I'm sure there are ant granules out there that would take care of them if you really can't stand them.
Barb

If they are red Fire Ants then you do need to kill them, the big Fire ants put out a poison which could kill your tree, but if those are the kind of ants in your tree's rootball, your tree most likely would already appear to be suffering.

Hi Cele,

Did you manage to sort the ants problem? I also have the same problem but they are really tiny microscopic ants and get inside the calyx. I've noticed them creeping in at night and the early morning too. I sprayed garlic spray neem oil spray but they still manage to come around no matter how many I kill.

I have been hand pollinating the flowers but the ovary just doesnt mature. I wonder if these microscopic ants are preventing seed formation.

Hi Cele,

Did you manage to sort the ants problem? I also have the same problem but they are really tiny microscopic ants and get inside the calyx. I've noticed them creeping in at night and the early morning too. I sprayed garlic spray neem oil spray but they still manage to come around no matter how many I kill.

I have been hand pollinating the flowers but the ovary just doesnt mature. I wonder if these microscopic ants are preventing seed formation.

microscopic ants? could those be thrips?