what kind of ants are they Barb? I do not know the answer but I am sure it makes a difference WHAT KIND they are?

Lucy

Not my writing

L. niger var. americanus Emery.
This species is the most abundant of all our North American
ants, occurring throughout the country except in the extreme
southern and southwestern section. It shows great adaptability
in its nesting habits and may be found in the damp rotten wood
of forests or in the gravelly soils of open fields. In the open
fields their nests consist of small craters.
The workers are exceedingly fond of the sweet secretions
of aphids or other honey dew secreting insects and may often
be found in attendance upon such forms. Their relation to the
corn and cotton root louse, Aphis maid radicis, has caused this
species to be considered of great economic importance. ' Dr.
Forbes, of Illinois, has published some very interesting reports
on the habits and life economy of this species.
Workers of Lasius americanus have been collected that were
heavily infested with a parasitic fungus known as Laboulbenia
formicarium Thaxter.

Iteresting they like aphid droppings..This could explain it...:)))

Hey Barb,

They are after nectar or aphid slime. Here are some links for you to look at. They shouldn't hurt your plant. I live in ant capitol here. I have found the best thing to get rid of them is Terro. I put these bait trays out near the house and my storage/sunroom building. They work great for keeping the ants from coming inside! I hate to kill anything but I don't want them inside.

Good Luck!
Tammy

http://www.english-gardening.com/green_up_your_thumb/pest_diseases/ants.htm

http://www.terro.com/

Tammy did I ever tell ya master gardeners rock! Thank you so much..:)))

They'll actually "garden" their aphids moving them around the plants. They eat the honeydew that the aphids produce. Get some ladybugs. You'll also see ants on peony buds but they aren't infested. The ants just like the drops of fluid that the buds produce. I've heard people say that the peony buds need the ants to bloom but that's BS. We get those little black garden ants inside when the temp changes dramatically. I can't stand them. Those are one of the few things I will kill. Boric acid works well and isn't toxic. You can use it straight or make a mix. Here's a link that has different mixes for different insects.

Here is a link that might be useful: Boric acid insecticide

Thanks Karyn I will have to run out today and get some cotton balls... The sugar in the mix must attract them...Thanks Bunches! I was reading how they farm them and will protect them... Nature is fascinating....

Hey Barb,

Thanks for the comment! It has been a few years since I attended Master Gardener Classes. They do touch on a wide variety of subjects. I have mostly perennials and really I knew more about them before I attended the classes. I read and read. :) They are good about doing community projects, making neglected areas look nicer. They hold nice plant swaps too! The group that I attended puts on a Garden Faire every year. Everyone has a different interest so you can meet others who may know more in an area that you don't, so good for questions. The handbook is huge and has lots of information in it. I recently moved to my property that I have been gardening on for for the last 14 years or so. (Have owned for about 20 years) All of my gardening books are currently packed away somewhere :( I added a couple of links which were news promos about the last couple of garden faires they had. You can look if you want. I will venture out one day and take some photos of the work that we have done for community projects. The town of Abingdon, VA is full of flowers thanks to the Master Gardener's! haha

http://www.swcenter.edu/content/press.asp?PressID=144.

http://www.gardenfaire.net/index.htm

That is one big sale you have there..:) Ares is dinky compared..Small town..:) I love what they do for our community.. I am gonna join in... Gotta give back..:) Thanks Tammy for all your help...I really appreciate everything you have done...Barb

I meant to write "farm" aphids, not "garden", brain fart.

I meant to say ours..Heck is this right? Lol I cant remember too many moons ago..:))) We got our thought s across I hope...I have a bud on Mrs..Chambers..:))) I am on top of the world....I hope are warm weather is going your way! 84.3 as a high...Yahoo Yippee... Barb

There is nothing better than laughing at yourself...hahahha :))) I cant belive I spelt Ours that way! I loved the laugh.:)))

did I read FART?

ROFLMAO

Lucy