Using Rubbing Alcohol As Spray For Insect Pests

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Flavio
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Using Rubbing Alcohol As Spray For Insect Pests

Post by Flavio »

Does anyone, except me use alcohol to spray on individual cactus plants for mealy bugs in their greenhouse? I attempt to spot check my plants daily for these bugs which always seem to appear from who knows where. At times I find some individual plants which have more than a few of these bugs on them so I spray with alcohol in order to get the plant completely covered. Although this works for me I have not had a chance to determine the long term effects on cactus health when using this menthod of control. I would appreciate any comments pro or con on my practice.
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majcka
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Re: Using Rubbing Alcohol As Spray For Insect Pests

Post by majcka »

This is no pro et contra thing. You do it right only not quite sufficient. You should squeeze them first. With toothpic or something like that. Than spray with alcohol. When weather permits (not during rest time) I water them with home made insecticid (water, tobaco and drop of liquid soap). This usualy works for quite some time.

This beasts can have a queen hiden in soil (that's where they come from). With tobaco you kill that one.
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anders
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Re: Using Rubbing Alcohol As Spray For Insect Pests

Post by anders »

I sometimes spray with alcohol against spider mites, and have done so for for at least 10 years. I let the plant(s) sit in a plastic bag for about one hour after spraying to prevent the alcohol from evaporating too quickly.
Flavio
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Re: Using Rubbing Alcohol As Spray For Insect Pests

Post by Flavio »

Thanks for your replies, they are appreciated.
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