Little black ants on cucumber plants??

jeboo 5/26/2010, 2:40 pm

Yesterday I noticed what look like little black ants on my cucumber plants, especially in the blossoms. I don't know if they are damaging the plants or eating other bugs. I just sprayed BT for cabbage worms on Sunday. Any advice??

Retired Member 1 5/26/2010, 2:45 pm

I always get ants in the squash blossoms. Haven't noticed them on the cukes. I just leave them be as they don't seem to do any damage. If I ended up with a large infestation, I'd treat, but otherwise I figure they have their rights as well.

Lavender Debs 5/26/2010, 2:51 pm

I am only guessing, but I bet they like the nectar.

Chopper 5/26/2010, 3:24 pm

The only issue I have with ants is when they become aphid farmers. That can be destructive. However if it is a small population and only ants I would not worry about it.

**camprn** 5/26/2010, 3:47 pm

Gathering nectar is my guess. flower

Beauvais5 6/23/2013, 6:56 pm

I read all of the advice and will leave them alone.....Thanks:D

jazzycat 6/23/2013, 11:10 pm

Chopper wrote:The only issue I have with ants is when they become aphid farmers. That can be destructive. However if it is a small population and only ants I would not worry about it.

What does that mean, being an "aphid farmer?" This is the second time I've heard that expression. thinking

**sanderson** 6/23/2013, 11:49 pm

Ants like the "honey dew" drops excreted by the aphids. They protect the aphids, even stroking to get dew from the aphids.

Google ants and aphids and look at the neat pictures.

Windmere 6/24/2013, 4:36 pm

Hi Jeboo,

I am a total newbie who is still learning. However, I understand that if ants present a serious problem, sprinkling cinnamon in their vicinity is very good at helping to get rid of them.

There was an ant nest in my daughter's flower garden (I happen to be very allergic to ant bites). I sprinkled just a small amount of cinnamon and the ants dispersed and never came back.

jazzycat 6/24/2013, 10:33 pm

sanderson wrote:Ants like the "honey dew" drops excreted by the aphids. They protect the aphids, even stroking to get dew from the aphids.

Google ants and aphids and look at the neat pictures.

eek!

**llama momma** 6/25/2013, 3:38 pm

The neat pictures are something, the behaviors are even better! Some species of aphids will grow wings after they consume the plant juices so they can leave for better food, BUT the ants have been seen forcing them to stay by pulling off their little wings, yikes.

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Little black ants on cucumber plants??

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