Ants hate molasses for some reason. Can use the powdered kind from plant store or use the Black Strap Molasses from the grocery. It will fertilize and increase bio activity too.

I keep some of the liquid thined in a mustard squirt jar and jot the pots. Then water it in just a bit. Just use own judgement about amount used depending on pot size. The ants will begin to swarm out Immediately and will be angry. Usually they dont come back. If do repeat.

Ants in containers do seem to weaken the plants.

Have added orange oil in past to get more killing punch but just use molasses now.

Regarding your fruit, everything I have read to date, says you must leave them on the vine until they fall off naturally. That's how you know they are ripe.

Regarding your fruit, everything I have read to date, says you must leave them on the vine until they fall off naturally. That's how you know they are ripe.

When the vine produces fruit it stops flowering & growing & uses all its energy to produce the fruit. This is normal for some species. Don't worry about the colony of ants...depending on their species. Leave the fruit till it drops.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ants