I think that you should capture some ants (clean, clear, open mouth jar like a mason jar) and take them to your local Extension office for proper ID. If there's no one on staff who can identify them, then ask that they send them off to someone who can.

Different species respond to differing methods of control.

Ants are a normal and beneficial member of a healthy ecosystem, but if the population is very much out of balance, it's not good for anyone....including the ants.

Hello.

I have friends who live in Henderson County and they have had HORRIBLE problems w/a species called Allegheny mound ants (Formica exsectoides). They had to have parts of their wooded property treated as these ants were killing trees and all other insects they came in contact with! I agree you should contact your local extension office and ask if they have any ideas for you! Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Allegheny mound ants

Adidas, that is extremely useful information for Acer. If there's a trend, the Extension people should be able to help.

Acer, sometimes the phones of the county offices will be answered by someone who really can't help. Try to speak with an actual agent.

I had a colony of allegheny mound ants on my property............just happened to have a master gardener group over for part of their training and they got to see what they looked like. The ants were a newbie in this area at the time. They will indeed inject formic acid into their surroundings to kill off vegetation. Like said.........have them identified.