Aphids are a food source for Ants. The aphids secrete a sugary stubstance that the ants like. The ants will actually protect the aphids from predator insects and move them from plant to plant. Get rid of the aphids and the ants will disappear as well.

Get some orthenex, disease and insect control. Stuff works great. You can use it on everything. Just use the fine mist setting on your sprayer and don't forget the undersides of the leaves and spray the ground around the plants as well.

X

Thanks X!

Wow, that's WILD! I knew those ants were awefully interested in the aphids!

I've just sprayed the aphids with a 50% rubbing alcohol in water solution. Do you think that will do it, or should I go buy that stuff as well?

Thanks...

Direct hits of insecticidal soap works fine on aphids. Beyond that, it's far more safe for the environment and you than is orthene.

You can also use ladybugs to naturally get rid of aphids.

I took some very cool photos of the ant/aphid symbiotic relationship. Check them out!

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos of ants and aphids, symbiotic relationship

Paleeze don't use those toxic chemicals (Orthene) for something like this! Not required or warranted.

Sorry the link to the photo got broken when I upgraded my site.

Check out the photos, I'm no expert, but it's quite interesting to see!

Here is a link that might be useful: Updated link to photos of ants and aphids in symbiotic relationship

I'm with Rhizo. Aphids are easy to deal with without pumping more heavy-duty toxins into the environment. Light infestations can often be dealt with simply by hosing them off. If that doesn't work, spraying them with insecticidal soap will work nicely, 2 tbsp. Murphy's Oil Soap in one liter water will do it too.

Janet's Garden

In light infestations when I don't feel like running to get the hose, I turn leaves and start squishing!

Vera