Wood ash for aphids?

Has anybody had success with using wood ash for aphid control? An old timer says that he uses it with success. Wonder what a combination of diatamaceous earth and ash would do?

I first read about it in "Organic Gardening" magazine in the late 60's/early 70's.  have been using it ever since.  Since I don't have a wood stove or fireplace, I am forced to BBQ a lot.  Woe is me, so much suffering just to keep my tomato plants healthy.

have aphids on the roses bushes this year, maybe i'll try sprinkling some on them..good idea

I've used wood ashes (BBQ ashes) on rose bushes many years when they show up.  If you can get one of those little hand dusters it's a lot easier than just using the trowel in the BBQ.  After an hour or so, you can just hose them off and feed the critters in the soil surface.  Ash is alkaline (which roses do not like), but this has never been a problem for me, as every morning I dump my used coffee grounds around the rose bushes.  I have had nearly 100% success with this method.

thanks I'll try it