Question
I believe we have aphids on a couple of our plants. We also have ants in our eggplant. Will the dish soap method kill ants as well as aphids. We have a potted organic garden on our back balcony that is on the second story. I read something about garlic as well. What method would you recommend if for ants and aphids?

Answer
Jessica, unfortunately, insecticidal soap is not very effective against ants. It does, hewever, work great on aphids. Garlic also is extrememly effective against aphids, but as with the insecticidal soap, it does not deter ants.

I personally use Diatomaceous Earth to control many crawling insects, especially ants, although borax powder will work, also.

Diatomaceous Earth is organic and will not harm humans or the environment. Basically, it is a mineral product composed of crushed fossilized shells which are fatal when a soft-bodied insect crawls across them. They eventually experience dehydration and imminent death. This product can be purchased at any garden center or through many organic catalogs such as Planet Natural or Gardens Alive.

I hope this helps.  If I can be of further assistance, please write again.

Regards,

Mike