Question
Mike-thought you might could help. I have fire ants eating my okra blooms and preventing fruit. I have been told that they are eating aphids but they are doing damage. have you got any advice? thanks david

Answer
David,  you can control ants by spreading some diatomaceous earth in the area that is infested. Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic mineral product derived from fossilized shell remains of certain algae.  It is approved as an organic insecticide for crawling insects.  You can purchase this
product at any garden center.

Ants are always an indication of a high population of aphids in the garden.  To control aphids, you can plant some onion sets or garlic in the garden as a repellent.  Otherwise, if the area is very large, you need to spray affected plants with an approved insecticide.  Chemicals include Sevin; organic controls would include insecticidal soap, pyrethrum, or rotenone.

I hope this information helps.  Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike