Question
I have a red twig dogwood bush and for the last couple of years, ants have built little nests on edges of the leaves.  When you brush against the bush, the ants are become very aggressive and do bite.  These are regular black ants living in Kenmore, NY.  I have put ant granules down around the base of the bush in the spring, but they are still coming around. What can I do to get rid of them?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,
Thanx for your question.  If your plants have spider mites or aphids on or near them, the ants are herding them and feeding off of their excrement which is termed "honey dew".  Check for aphids and spider mites because if these aren't dealt with, you'll just keep getting ants.  There are miticides of just plain old horticultural soap will do it.  Then treat the ants with Unlce Albert's Smart Ant Bait, Drax or Terro Ant Killer.  Follow the directions on the package.  The way the ant killers work is the ant is attracted to it because of sweetness and carries it back to the nest where it poisons large number of the ants.  I hope this helps.
Tom