Ants don't eat aphids, they protect them. Strong sprays of water on a daily basis will work if the infestation isn't too bad. If still a real problem, you might try commercial insecticidal soap. Aphids have so many predators and parasites that just keeping the numbers down with water is often the best solution, so that the good guys can get busy.

I've heard several people comment on the numbers of ants this year.

There will be no ants if there are no aphids. It's their cow. The ants milked the aphids for food.
I get rid of aphids (tons of them) with malathion spray for 2 weeks at least. Follow direction.