Calla Lilie infested with bugs and ants in soil

Question

Hello, I just noticed that my outdoor calla lilies are have little black bugs in the stem. I also noticed that when I water it, a lot of ants crawl out from the soil.
How can I get rid of these bugs without harming my plants

Thanks in advance
Marjorie

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Answer 1

I would wash the plant with a good stream of water. Outdoors or in the sink you can do this.
The ants are likely drawn to Honeydew; which is the residue from pests.
Then treat the plant with Neem Oil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm