Quote:
Originally Posted by cedardave
I have used a tequilla water mix with tremendous success. About 1/2 oz of tequilla to a liter of water in a spray bottle seems to dry the little suckers right up. I think there would be no liquor left after the evaporation so birdie would be fine.
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TEQUILA!!!!!!!!
ĄDios en cielo! Hope you're not using a good blue agave!
For drinking yes, but you can get the same effect and save the good stuff for yourself. Many years ago I learned of the formula 10:1, water to rubbing alcohol. A lot cheaper too.
Start by using Tog's advice of hosing down the plant well. If you can't hose it down, try at least to spray it well with water first, rinsing off as much of the white stuff as possible. Let it dry out a bit, put the mixture in a spray bottle and mist the plant on every surface you can get to, including the soil, the stem and especially in those little nooks and crannies where the leaf sprouts. This would be tough on a big plant, but you should be able to do it with the DC. Wait about 10 days and repeat the process.
It is a weak solution so the alcohol will not harm banana plants and yet still dries up the little buggers. I use it on orchids which are far more sensitive. The alcohol evaporates almost immediately. You might still want to wash off the plant again after about half an hour, but it's not really necessary.
Just as Tog says, the key is to getting good airflow around the plant. Use a fan on a low setting if necessary for an hour or so each day until you are sure the infestation is gone.
Good luck!
Drinks are on Dave!
