Ants on a honeysuckle

Hello, I have a well established honeysuckle, about 10 feet tall, that provides natural shade over my back deck. This spring I noticed what I thought was an odd thing: a robin seemed to be taking little strips of bark off here and there, presumably for his nest.

But since it was just an occasional and tiny bit of bark I didn't fret. Then this week I noticed a swarm (12-20) black ants around one of the gashes. They could be sucking "honey" or whatever sap the bush produces. I don't know why they chose this gash.


At any rate, I am wondering if they are doing damage and I should try to get rid of them. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.