They're ant egg/larvae...you had a nest of ants under your monarda!

I'd shake off what I could and relocate. I don't have any information about how to remove ants (I just let them be in my garden).

Saucy

You are right.
To get rid of both, use a hose and wash them away.
Keep an eye on it, they might come back, aphids love Monarda.
Last step would be rose spray, which will kill them.
Try the hose first though to avoid killing beneficials.

I have something similar going on with a few patches of my Monarda too, except I was finding wilted stems and upon looking at the base noticed they were like ate away. They were stunted compared to the others too. There are no above ground pests that I can find either.
I'll have to dig some up and check around the roots now!

Vera