Question
I have a Gardenia Topiaries that has become infested with ants, regular house
ants.  They seem to have laid eggs also in the elbows of the branches and the
buds fall off before blooming.  I have tried plant spray and they keep coming
back.  Help!!!

Answer
Hi Mary:
More than likely, the ants are there for some other reason. They may be feeding on other insects or other insect secretions. Look around to see if you can determine this reason. The ants are probably not doing any direct damage to your plants. It is useful to determine where the ants are coming from and attack them at their source with an appropriate insecticide that your local nursery/garden center suggests.

Regards
Steve