Now I've notice that the ants seem to be also crawling in and out of the fibers that surround the trunk. So they are on/in the tree and in the pitting 'soil'. I hope someone can help me with this. I can't leave the palm outside or it will probably die and yet I can't bring it inside and get an ant infestation in the house. We are already having problems with ants this season.

any input?

Flush the soil. When the water enters the soil the ants will run out. Just make sure it needs the water.

Thanks tlbean2004!

Ants, themselves are generally harmless, but may be signs that there is another potential problem (I have seen this with issues related to rotting or some other primary insect infestation, such as aphids, etc.)

I just saw your post, subtropix. Thank you so much for responding. I have checked the palm for any pests and it is clean. I repotted the plant and, thank goodness, the roots are healthy and no ant infestation in the soil now.