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Old June 19, 2013   #1
HiPoha
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Default Whiteflies, if all else fails

Isopropyl alcohol , about two tablespoons per pint of water, more or less at your discretion. Use in a spray bottle. Kills whiteflies dead. Visible results.
I have tried all the recommended solutions here and from the Garden stores, nothing worked. Got some tough whiteflies here.
Having access to bars and pubs throw away liquor, I've gotten some good results using Johnny Walker, Sky Vodka, Bourbon, etc.. but in full strenght.
Another way to get at them is to go under each leaf with a dry paint brush and destroy their homes.

Edit:
Using alcohol has been around for a while. Some people suggest that you can use up to a 50% solution of Isopropyl . That may get costly for a large garden infestation of whiteflies. I would use just enough till you see the whiteflies drop off the plants. Two tablespoons per pint is just a starting figure. Do not use methyl alcohol, ever...may cause blindness.

Last edited by HiPoha; June 21, 2013 at 09:23 PM. Reason: addition
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Old June 20, 2013   #2
b54red
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I'll certainly try it because as you said nothing really works. I'm surprised such a small percentage of alcohol will kill them. That weak solution should have no harmful affects on the plants I suppose. If that works then it will be cost effective also.

Bill
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Old June 20, 2013   #3
ginger2778
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HiPoha View Post
Isopropyl alcohol , about two tablespoons per pint of water, more or less at your discretion. Use in a spray bottle. Kills whiteflies dead. Visible results.
I have tried all the recommended solutions here and from the Garden stores, nothing worked. Got some tough whiteflies here.
Having access to bars and pubs throw away liquor, I've gotten some good results using Johnny Walker, Sky Vodka, Bourbon, etc.. but in full strenght.
Another way to get at them is to go under each leaf with a dry paint brush and destroy their homes.
I hope you will forgive me for this"know it all"post, but it should be said because isopropyl alcohol is poisonous, though it probably evaporates and wouldn't be too bad either, but the kind of alcohol you drink is ethyl alcohol. Isopropyl is the kind you rub on your skin medicinally. I only meant this as a clarification for people who may read your helpful thread about whiteflies. Also, isopropyl alcohol won't mix with water.

Having said all that, I think I may try drinking alcohol spray too, our whiteflies are really thick here.

Marsha
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Old June 20, 2013   #4
ChrisK
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Isopropyl alcohol is quite miscible in water.

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Also, isopropyl alcohol won't mix with water.
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Old June 20, 2013   #5
ginger2778
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Isopropyl alcohol is quite miscible in water.
Thanks for the constructive correction Chris.
I guess I had it coming!
Marsha
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