I was examining my bell pepper plants and I found these bugs congregating on the stems. Ants were gathering around them and it appears that they might be farming them, but I am not entirely sure. I haven't seen anything like them and would appreciate help identifying them and suggestions on an non-pesticidal solution. Please help!
Ants love aphids, maybe they are aphids.
These are not aphids, but appear to be nymphs of another type of sap-feeding insect. I suggest first applying a strong stream of water from a garden hose, and if that fails to work try an application of insecticidal soap. Otherwise, about the only other non-toxic remedy would be to keep the plants covered with an agricultural row cover of some type.
