The aphid can be controlled, thus the ants, by blasting them with a stream of water from the hose every 2-3 days for about two wks. Ant control: 1) hot water down their entrances, 2) flooding them out, or 3) purchase an ant bait. Repeat 1 & 2 several times. Ants have huge underground chambers which can stretch for yards away from the entrance so you must be patient for results regardless of the method used.

The ant bait idea seems to be the easiest. I think I'll try that. And maybe the aphids will be preyed on by bugs once the ants aren't protecting them anymore. If not, I'll try blasting them. Thanks.

Ants "farm" Aphids in that they harvest them by removing them form the plants they are on and taking them down to the nest to feed to the workers in the nest. Ants are part of Ma Natures recycling machine and they help clean up this planet after us, so there is no real good reason to kill them, unless what you have is the Imported Fire Ant.

SOME species of ants 'milk' the honeydew from aphids, not all. Very few will dispatch aphids to their nest, and then it is not to devour them, but to continue to harvest honeydew.

Minna, if you decide to use an ant bait, be sure that you find one that dedicated for outdoor use. Read and follow the directions carefully. Some of the products can be quite toxic to birds and other non-target animals.

Good luck.

Years ago I bought a Hula Hoe for the garden and I keep it nice and sharp and it cuts through weeds and grass like butter getting the roots so you'll never have to get down with the ants again.

Thanks Rhizo. I'm very careful about what I use. I'm not a big fan of organic stuff, it's never worked very well for me, but I am careful with what I use.

Debby, what's a Hula Hoe? If it really works as well as you say it does, I want it!