Ants in pots

I have a problem with ants in my garden, with nests all around the edge of the lawn and in the gaps in the walls. They nest up the stems of roses.The main problem is in containers, they make nests and push the soil out of the bottom. I am not sure that they actually damage the plants but I have to keep topping up the soil and the sheer numbers drive me mad! :eek: I have tried boiling water, nippon and ant powder but nothing seems to work and I am worried about all the chemicals going in the garden.
Does anyone know a miracle cure??