Small garden pests vs Vodka. Can it work?

I've heard of people spraying their orchids in vodka in order to get rid of infections or small mealy bugs infections. I don't see why using it in small doses couldn't work. First, I'd use it very dilute and then see what happens. Next treatment, make it stronger. In general, the alcohol and water should evaporate leaving little to no residue.

However, I agree with one of the other answerers ; those insects are a part of an important ecosystem within your garden. You can always order some ladybugs online to have them devour those aphids. In general, some of the plants you've listed (basil, lemonbalm, mint and catnip) can repel certain insects (mosquitoes, slugs, flies..etc). It's completely normal to have some insects, and you shouldn't freak out as long as they aren't causing significant damage.

Waste of good vodka. Try an insecticidal soap instead. And I seem to remember reading recently about using a form of alcohol--rubbing alcohol, probably, definitely not vodka--in a spray along with the insecticidal soap. You can look up recipes to make the spray at home, or buy it at any garden centre. Safer;s is a well-known brand. Pay close attention to how much to dilute it. Using a solution too strong will kill the plants as well as the bugs. If you want to be doubly sure there will be no plant damage, buy the stuff from the garden centre which is formulated not to damage plants if used as directed. It looks expensive compared to a bottle of dish soap, but a little goes a long way. A lot of home made recipes call for what is actually detergent, not soap. If you have liquid castile soap around, it's actual soap

Give it a good dusting of chalk..this keeps them off, much faster to toss on them, cheaper than vodka.

yeah yeah