I have some grape vines growing on an overhang attached to the house.
The plant is doing very well, some vines are starting to cover the
overhang.

Problem is that the tips of the vines, growing toward the house, are
covered with tiny ants. I don't really want the ants on the house.

Any ideas about how to keep the ants off the vines so the vines can
continue growing closer to the house?

the ants are there because there's probably been some kind of damage done to
the vine (beetles, catepillars, etc). the ants come for the "dew" or sap.

my suggestion is that you grow some tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) close to your
house, especially near where the vine is) AND once the flowers have bloomed
and dried up, cut the tansy down to the ground and hang up to dry. once you
have dried leaves (they must be VERY VERY DRY), tuck the dried leaves into
any openings where ants ordinarily come in...including in your cellar, if
you have one. the tansy growing and the dried tansy will absolutely keep
ants from coming into your house!

From: (greg)
Organization: http://groups.google.com
Newsgroups: rec.gardens.edible
Date: 5 Jul 2004 14:23:29 -0700
Subject: ants on tips of grape vines

I have some grape vines growing on an overhang attached to the house.
The plant is doing very well, some vines are starting to cover the
overhang.

Problem is that the tips of the vines, growing toward the house, are
covered with tiny ants. I don't really want the ants on the house.

Any ideas about how to keep the ants off the vines so the vines can
continue growing closer to the house?