Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol that contains 75% isopropyl can control several plant pests that are having waxy covering.

To control mealybugs and scales on a few infested plants, soak a cotton ball or dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to wipe-off and kill the pests. Alcohol dissolves the wax that is covering the insect's body and its egg masses. Regularly monitor the plants to control the newly hatched nymphs and adults that you initially failed to control.

Rubbing alcohol spray

Dilute 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 4 cups of water.

Make a test on a few infested plants first. Wait for 3 days for damage symptom to appear, such as burnt leaves. Make adjustment and do some experimentations on the alcohol and water ratio. When all goes well, proceed with the spot application- only treat the infested plants.

Pest controlled

1. Aphids
2. Flea beetles
3. Mealybugs
4. Scale insects
5. Thrips
6. Whiteflies

Standard procedures for the preparation and application of homemade extracts

1. Use utensils for the extract preparation that are not use for your food preparation and for drinking and cooking water containers. Clean properly all the utensils every time after using them.
2. Do not have a direct contact with the crude extract while in the process of the preparation and during the application.
3. Make sure that you place the extract out of reach of children and house pets while leaving it overnight.
4. Harvest all the mature and ripe fruits before extract application.
5. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants first before going into large scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based one.
6. Wear protective clothing while applying the extract.
7. Wash your hands after handling the extract.

External links

• IPM of Alaska. Homemade pest control. http://ipmofalaska.homestead.com/files/homemadepestcontrol.html
• Pagewise Inc. Homemade pesticide. http://wiwi.essortment.com/homemadeorgani_renu.htm
• Tvedten, S. The bug stops here. http://www.thebestcontrol.com/bugstop/control_alternatives_favorite.htm

References

• Gilberg, L. editor. (1993): Garden pests and diseases. Sunset books. Sunset Publishing Corporation, California.
• Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1991): Common sense - pest control. The Taunton Press. USA.
• Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1995): The gardener’s guide to common-sense pest control. The Taunton Press. USA.