Ants feed on the honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by these insects. Found at the base of petals in a flower bud. In cold climates thrips feed and reproduce from spring until fall. They are especially troublesome during prolonged dry spells. There are often silvery white streaks on the leaves.
Flower buds turn brown and die before they open.
Flowers that have opened are often streaked and distorted. Nymphs are usually found on lower leaf surfaces. White flies are common to greenhouse vegetables and flowers but in warmer climates, they attack citrus and many ornamentals as well. Ants feed on the honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by these insects. If by examining the above list of pests you have not discovered an obvious cause for your plant problem, perhaps you need to consider the possibility of disease.