Question: About four weeks ago, I planted two hibiscus plants. The buds are covered with little ants. I have sprayed them three times, at one week intervals, but lo and behold, they still have ants on them. Some of the leaves are curling. What do I do?

- Irene, e-mail

Answer: Leaf curling on young leaves at this time of year is probably due to colonies of aphids feeding on the leaves of the plants. Aphids are insects that puncture young leaves, much like mosquitos puncture skin, and suck the sap from these leaves. They inject a chemical that is responsible for leaf distortion. The ants are there as active bystanders. They consume the excess plant sap left by the aphids. Your task is to control the aphids, after which, the ants will go away. The latter cannot force sap from leaves and will have to seek food somewhere else. Apply an insecticidal oil, or another insecticide recommended for aphid control. Several applications will be necessary. Don’t wait for the leaves to harden since the damage will have already been done and the aphids will have departed.