Ants in my plants

I was at the allotment yesterday to spead out my spinach plants. When i started disturbing the soil I was suddenly overrun with ants (I'm afraid to admit I squeeled like a little girl.). I seem to have a nest of black ants at one end of the row, and red ants at the other. Are they going to disturb the roots? Can I get rid of them without damaging my plants?
Thanks all.

 

Hi beanie, check this thread http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=14142 cheers...freddy.

 

Many thanks. It's like asking a shop assistant for something in Sainsbury and finding out you're standing by the shelf.
Beanie