Ants on Strawberry Plants

How do I keep those little tiny ants off of my strawberry plants?  I don't want to use a pesticide if I can help it.  Last year they ate all the berries off the plants.

Certain ants are attracted to sugary fruits, honeydew secreted by aphids and the nectar of flowers.  A strong blast of water or insecticidal soap or neem can help control the aohids eliminating the honeydew.  Regular picking to eliminate over ripe fruit can help eliminate the sugary fruit that may be luring the ants to the plants.  Traditional insecticides labeled for use on strawberries have limitations.  The wait period between application and harvest can lead to more over ripe fruit attracting even larger populations of ants.

Related

Audio

Growing Edible Pineberries (Fragaria chiloensis x virginiana)

Audio

Strawberry Celebration Days

Audio

Add a Bit of Patriot Flare to Your Garden

Audio

Managing Picnic Beetles (Sap Beetles)