Why is my yellow trumpet climber covered in ants?

Hampshire, United Kingdom

I am a complete novice on gardening etc but I have a yellow trumpet that is growing very well. However, every time I water it, I notice the plant, especially the trumpets are covered in ants. I can't see any other insect at all. So do you know whether they are good or bad for the plant?Could they be eating some other thing that the naked eye can't see or are they after something from the plant? I haven't got a clue to this.I don't want to get rid of them if they are doing good, however, if they are bad for it how do I get rid of them? I would love any help on this please. Regards, Jean.

On plant Campsis radicans flava

11 Aug, 2009

Answers

Noseypotter

ants always do something for a reasen.some plants actualy help ants either bye feeding them or giving them cover.maybe look up the life cycle of your plant on google and you should find the answer

12 Aug, 2009

Bamboo

There will be an aphid infestation, and the ants are farming them for their honeydew. Spray with insecticide to get rid of the aphids, try not to spray the flowers and do it at the end of the day when the bees have stopped working.

12 Aug, 2009

Noseypotter

i wonder why jean cant see the aphids as they are normaly quite brasen as they have body gards ie ants.did you know aphids are born pregnant and give birth in an hour of being born

12 Aug, 2009

Jean474

Hi both of you,
Thank you very much for your answers ..I have looked at the plant even with a magnifying glass and can only see ants...I've sprayed it with insecticide so I will wait and see the results...knowing my luck I've planted it on an ants nest...ha! ha!

12 Aug, 2009

Bamboo

I didn't know that Noseypotter - sounds like a fate worse than death, to me, fancy being born pregnant, poor beggars.

12 Aug, 2009

Noseypotter

your looking at it from a human point of view lol

12 Aug, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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