Question
Hi, i just had a few questions reguarding aphid control.  I have started tons of plants from seed and today i found some aphids on the leaves of one of my avocado tree seedlings.  i would like to eliminate any aphids so they wont infest all my seedlings.  I have'nt found any on the seedlings yet.  Do you know how to repel aphids?  Or kill them?  They are indoors.  One good thing, sorta, is i found a couple ladybugs in the house and i know they eat aphids.  I heard that Garlic repels them.  Do you know any organic repelants i could make?  I've gotten rid of aphids once with water that i soaked garlic in and put it on the leaves.  Was that a good idea.  I dont know, it worked.  Is there a better way?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Garlic in water is used as a preventive spray it respells the aphids but dose not kill them. Other ways are: The old way was to remove the critters with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, including under the leaves,  Or consider a spray of water and mouthwash (with alcohol) which smells pleasant, like peppermint. The bugs don't like the alcohol or the smell.   Some insecticides, known as systemic insecticides have the ability to be absorbed by plants. Those used on houseplants are sold as granules or as stakes. They are applied to the soil for the roots to absorb. You can check with your local nursery for the systemic insecticides that are applied to the soil.