Ants Farming Aphids? 🐜 Ants are farming the aphids by keeping them together in groups and protecting them from predators such as ladybirds and hover flies. The ants release chemicals through their feet that subdue the aphids so they can then ‘milk’ them for a substance called honeydew. They then take it back to their nest to regurgitate in order to feed the queen and other workers in the nest. Although a very interesting interaction, this obviously is not ideal for our plants, so prevent this w