If you’ve ever found a trail of ants marching across your kitchen counter, you’ve probably wondered how to stop them. What is Tanglefoot made of – a sticky insect trap? It’s a common question for gardeners and homeowners looking for a non-toxic solution. This sticky barrier is a trusted tool, but knowing its ingredients helps you use it safely and effectively on your plants.
This article explains exactly what goes into this sticky paste, how it works, and the best ways to apply it for protecting your trees and shrubs.
What Is Tanglefoot Made Of – A Sticky Insect Trap
At its core, Tanglefoot is a thick, sticky substance designed to create a impassable barrier for crawling insects. It is not a poison. Instead, it acts as a physical trap, ensnaring pests that try to cross it. The formula is weather-resistant, meaning it won’t wash off easily in rain and remains gummy through a range of temperatures.
The primary ingredients are three simple components:
* A Natural Gum Resin: This is often a food-grade material like gum rosin, which is derived from pine tree sap. This resin provides the initial sticky, adhesive quality.
* A Natural Wax: Usually a food-grade wax like carnuba or candelilla wax. This gives the product its body and helps it hold its shape when applied.
* A Vegetable Oil: Such as rapeseed or cottonseed oil. The oil keeps the mixture from drying out and becoming brittle, ensuring it stays tacky for a long period.
These ingredients are heated and blended together to create the final product. Because the components are natural and not intended as pesticides, Tanglefoot is often accepted for use in organic gardening programs when used as a barrier. However, you should always check your local organic certification standards.
How Does Tanglefoot Actually Work?
The mechanics are straightforward. You apply a band of Tanglefoot around the trunk of a tree, the stem of a plant, or the legs of a greenhouse bench. Crawling insects, like ants, caterpillars, or certain beetles, encounter the band as they travel upward.
Their feet and bodies get stuck in the thick goo. They cannot move forward or backward, which prevents them from reaching the foliage or fruit above. This is especially crucial for managing ants, which often “farm” aphids for their honeydew. By stopping the ants, you can help reduce aphid populations too, since the ants won’t be their to protect them from predators.
It’s important to note that Tanglefoot does not attract insects. It is purely a barrier. You must place it in the path of the pests you want to stop. Also, it does not affect flying insects like bees or moths unless they directly land on it, so it’s considered safe for pollinators when applied correctly on trunks.
Common Pests You Can Control With Tanglefoot
This sticky barrier is versatile. Here are the most common invaders it can help you manage:
* Ants: The primary use. Stops them from climbing into trees to protect aphids or scavenge.
* Cankerworms and Gypsy Moths: Applying a band in early spring can trap the wingless females and larvae as they climb up to feed.
* Tent Caterpillars: Catches the larvae as they move up and down the tree to feed.
* Aphids: While it doesn’t trap many winged aphids, it can stop wingless ones from migrating.
* Scale Crawlers: The mobile juvenile stage of scale insects can be trapped as they move to new feeding sites.
* Spider Mites: Can help prevent them from migrating between plants in a greenhouse when applied to bench legs.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Tanglefoot Correctly
Doing this the right way makes all the difference. A messy application can harm the tree and be less effective. Follow these steps:
1. Gather Your Supplies
You will need Tanglefoot, a pair of disposable gloves, a putty knife or small spatula, and a roll of barrier material. Many gardeners use a breathable fabric tree wrap, plastic wrap, or even duct tape. The barrier protects sensitive tree bark, especially on young trees.
2. Prepare the Tree Trunk
First, clean the area of the trunk where you’ll apply the barrier. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt, loose bark, and old adhesive. This ensures a clean surface for your wrap to stick to. On rough-barked trees, you may need to fill deep crevices with cotton or foam to prevent insects from crawling underneath.
3. Apply the Protective Wrap
Wrap a 3- to 4-inch wide band of your chosen material around the trunk. Place it about 3 to 4 feet from the ground for most pests. Secure it tightly but not so tight that it girds the tree. The wrap should be smooth to prevent insects from finding a bridge across.
4. Spread the Tanglefoot
Put on your gloves—this stuff is famously sticky! Using your spatula, apply a continuous, even band of Tanglefoot over the center of the wrap. A band about 1 to 2 inches wide is sufficient. Do not apply it directly to the tree bark. Make sure the ends of the band connect smoothly so there is no gap for pests to cross.
5. Maintenance and Clean-Up
Check the barrier every couple of weeks. Debris like leaves or dead insects can create a bridge. Gently remove any debris with a stick or your gloved hand. Reapply a thin layer of Tanglefoot if it becomes less tacky or filled with pests. At the end of the season, remove the wrap and clean any residue from the trunk with vegetable oil, followed by mild soap and water.
Important Precautions and Tips for Use
While Tanglefoot is a safe product, a little care goes a long way.
* Protect Beneficial Insects: Be mindful of where you apply it. Avoid getting it on plant parts where pollinators or predatory insects like ladybugs might land.
* Bark Protection is Key: Never apply Tanglefoot directly to thin-barked or young trees. The solvents in the product can damage the bark and cause injury. The protective wrap is non-negotiable.
* Mind the Temperature: Tanglefoot spreads easiest on a warm day. If the tube is stiff, you can place it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to soften it.
* Clean Tools Immediately: Clean your spatula and gloves with vegetable oil or a citrus-based cleaner before washing with soap and water. It’s much harder to remove once it dries.
* Store Properly: Keep the container tightly sealed in a cool, dry place to prevent it from drying out.
A common mistake is applying to much. A thick, gloppy band is more likely to drip on hot days and is no more effective than a thin, even layer. Sometimes less is more when it comes to this product.
DIY Alternatives to Commercial Tanglefoot
Some gardeners prefer to make there own version. A simple homemade sticky barrier can be effective for a short period. Here’s a basic recipe:
1. Melt 1 part pine resin (gum rosin) with 2 parts vegetable oil in a double boiler.
2. Stir in 1 part liquid castile soap until fully blended.
3. Allow to cool slightly before applying to a protected trunk.
However, this homemade mix generally does not last as long as the commercial product. It may wash off more easily in heavy rain or dry out faster. It’s a good temporary fix, but for season-long protection, the branded Tanglefoot is often more reliable and less messy to work with in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Tanglefoot safe for organic gardening?
Yes, because its made from natural ingredients and works as a physical barrier, it is generally approved for organic use. Always verify with your specific certifying agency.
How long does Tanglefoot last once applied?
When applied correctly and kept free of debris, a single application can last an entire growing season. It may need occasional touch-ups.
Can Tanglefoot harm birds or squirrels?
It is possible for small animals or birds to get the substance on their feathers or fur if they contact the trunk. This is rare, but to prevent it, keep the band narrow and consider using a tree collar or cone below the band for added protection.
What’s the best way to remove Tanglefoot from skin or tools?
Use any cooking oil (like olive or vegetable oil) to dissolve the sticky residue. Rub it in, then wipe off with a paper towel. Follow up with soap and water. For tools, a citrus-based cleaner also works very well.
Will Tanglefoot work on all types of ants?
It is effective against most common species of crawling ants. However, some species are very determined and may try to build bridges with soil or debris. Regular maintenance to clear these bridges is important for success.
Can I use Tanglefoot indoors?
It is not recommended for indoor use. It can be messy and may stain surfaces. Indoor ant problems are better addressed with bait stations and sealing entry points.
Tanglefoot is a classic, effective tool that every gardener should know about. By understanding what it’s made of and how to use it properly, you can protect your fruit trees, ornamentals, and greenhouse plants from a variety of crawling pests without resorting to sprays. It’s a simple, strategic defense that, when applied with care, provides a strong line of protection for your garden all season long. Remember to always use a protective barrier for your trees, check it regularly, and enjoy a garden with fewer unwanted climbers.