So I've read loads of postings over the years about this product, but never given it a try. It seems to be in every Minimart and drug store in the US of A, but it certainly is not here in the UK. I've tried all the majors, Lloyds, Boots, etc, but no success. It seems that our nanny authorities believe us to be drinking it with our Coke or tonic water.
I've been troubled this summer more than ever with scale insects (mealies) and had to do something. They were quickly taking over my quite extensive collection of Astrophytums and something had to be done.
A quick search on Ebay and I found a company offering 5 litres, packed in 1 litre plastic bottles and delivered to my door for the princely sum of £12.60. I placed the order last Sunday and it arrived on Friday morning.
![Image](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv331/Stevec01_album/Isopropyl%20Alcohol.jpg)
Here is what you are looking for.
I don't work on Friday afternoons so it was out with my 1 litre spray bottle from Poundland and into the greenhouse for a trial. There was no problem finding targets to spray and I gave them both barrels!
This stuff is LETHAL, it sure doesn't take prisoners. It totally wets the plants, unlike water, and the mealies almost instantly turn green. They are effectively killed instantly. None remain providing that you completely wet the plants. Ten minutes later and the plants are completely dry and so far I've seen nothing detrimental happening to them.
I've now sprayed all my Astrophytums, because they're the plants the insects go far, I never see mealies on my Lophophoras. It's taken approximately 750 ml to clean the plants, so I've enough for several treatments. I've no idea whether or not it kills the eggs, I'll report again in a while if I see anything.
Lastly, let me add that I have no interest whatsoever in the company that I bought the alcohol from.
Steve