Insecticidal soap mixed with alcohol is an good way to control aphids, mites, and other plant suckers. (Update 4/13/2001: This formula does not kill eggs well. So even using it, you'll have more pests in a couple of days. See below for update on new pest control method.) I just sprayed the undersides of my squash and hope it works. I only have 2 plants. If you have a large yard, you'll need a hose end sprayer to get the product all over. Alcohol increases the soap's usefulness by being able to penetrate the insects outer coating so the insecticidal soap (organic one) can get inside.
Alcohol and water alone might work to dry the insect up a bit, but isn't as effective unless used with a soap of some sort. You can one of the "unconcentrated" dish soaps or Murphy's oil soap. Use very little of it or you'll burn your plants like I did last year. Alcohol alone will burn your plants as well.
My favorite mix is 1 quick squirt of dish soap, 2 tbsp alcohol, 2 tbsp Listerine (brown one) in a quart sprayer bottle. Since my yard is a backyard apartment space, I can do it this way. I spray everywhere and everything. So far, I haven't burned anything with this particular mix and I haven't noticed the bugs spreading to plants not already infected. (Update: this is because adults are killed and can't move to the new plants.)
If you have a bigger job to do, try 1 tsp soap, 1/2 cup alcohol, 1/2 cup Listerine, put in a hose end sprayer and spray your plants. Try a couple of unfavorite plants first to make sure it doesn't burn them. Don't spray on baby plants that have not established themselves. Any of the above will probably burn them. I killed a whole section of babies when I was trying to control fungus gnats with this mix last year. (Update: use 1 cup milk per gallon of water to control fungus disease on seedlings and existing plants. It really works.)
(Update: Pyola from Gardens Alive is a new organic pest solution. It's dangerous if absorbed through the skin as well as the usual dangers. So take precautions to keep your skin covered when using. However, it works like a dream AND it kills the eggs.)
Also available is a horticulture oil. You can get organic ones. This can be used alone as a preventive measure. These usually do not burn plants even in summer temps, but due to the heaviness of some types of the oil, they can smother your plants that have leaves. These are best used on trees and shrubs in winter months when leaves have dropped. But if you water it down to a 1% solution, you should be able to use it on vegetables and other plants.
Go To Page: 1 2
