Listerine as a bug killer?

[lotis146]

Originally Posted by cbuchman

Yes, you can use Listerine, but only the original formula (the brown one). You can also use rubbing alcohol.

for bugs, I spray with a mixture of 25% rubbing alcohol with a few drops of peppermint soap as a surfactant. You can use any kind of liquid soap, I just like the way it smells.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Spirytman

I've been using listerine on my plants in a spray bottle. As not to overdo it. It's been about 6 months and I have no noticeable problems from it. Plants are growing and blooming same as always. But it kills the springtails and fungus gnats fairly quickly.

Just straight Listerine in the spray bottle? I don't really worry about springtails but gnats are certainly an issue though not at the moment. Have invested in a few Butterworts which makes the kid in me want their population to grow just for a minute, as long as they all go and land on my butterworts.

[Spirytman]

Yes just straight "original " yellow listerine. Keep in mind that I don't douse the plant. I use maybe 5 good sprays. It's because I don't really know what could happen if I use more than that. since I never heard of this remedy before, I didn't want to experiment with the plants I love so much. So I've been hesitant to find out what is "too much". If anyone knows, I'd love to hear about it.

[bil]

One of the advantages of greenhouse keeping. The ants get in and set up home in the pots for the honeydew that the orchids excrete. As yet I haven't seen anything living on or around the plants as the ants keep up a constant patrol.