Red and Black Ants?

Question

I cut a branch off of my hybrid rose bush and it had red and black ants that had burrowed into the stem. Along with the ants were also the larvae. The stem was turning a blackish color and that is why I cut it off. You say ants are good for roses because of the aphids. I agree with that, but should they burrow in the larger branches like this?? Any help will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Could be wood eating ants.  What ever the type of ant they usually do that to woody materials of living plants unless the plant is weak due to disease or damage.

Answer 2

I can't imagine that is good for your plants.  Just use a mix of cinnamon and sugar. The ants will pick up the sugar, along with the cinnamon, and take it back to their queen. Ants can’t digest cinnamon and once the queen dies from not being able to digest the cinnamon the colony will die without her.

Answer 3

what you should do is put chili powder around the rose which they can't cross it's like a poison.

Answer 4

if ants are too much, i think is not good for your plants