How To Make Alcohol Spray For Plants

Gardening enthusiasts often face the challenge of dealing with stubborn pests like mealybugs and aphids. These tiny invaders can wreak havoc on your beloved plants, leaving you frustrated and searching for effective solutions.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using alcohol spray as a potent pest control method for your plants. We’ll delve into its advantages, the pests it works against, and even provide you with a simple alcohol spray recipe to help you combat these garden nuisances effectively.

Benefits of Using Alcohol Spray on Plants

1. Efficiency: Alcohol spray is known for its effectiveness in killing a wide range of plant pests, making it a valuable tool in your pest control arsenal.
2. Accessibility: Rubbing alcohol is readily available at most households and stores, making it a convenient and affordable option for plant enthusiasts.
3. Non-Toxic: Unlike chemical pesticides, alcohol spray is relatively safe for plants, pets, and humans when used in moderation. It doesn’t leave harmful residues on your foliage.
4. Quick Action: Alcohol spray works fast, eliminating pests upon contact. This rapid action can help prevent infestations from spreading and causing extensive damage.
5. Multipurpose: In addition to pest control, alcohol spray can help clean and rejuvenate your plant’s leaves, improving their overall health and appearance.

Pests That Alcohol Spray Works Against

Alcohol spray is particularly effective against a variety of garden pests, including:

1. Mealybugs: These white, cotton-like insects can infest your plants and sap their vitality. Alcohol spray can effectively eliminate them from your garden.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken and deform your plants. Alcohol spray can help rid your garden of these tiny menaces.
3. Spider Mites: While the video mentions that spider mites are challenging to eliminate, alcohol spray can still be used to control their populations, especially when caught early.

Alcohol Spray Recipe

Creating your alcohol spray is a straightforward process. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Water
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix one part of 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and seven parts water in a spray bottle. For example, you can use one cup of alcohol and seven cups of water.
2. Shake the mixture well to ensure it’s thoroughly combined.
3. Test a small area of your plant to ensure it won’t react negatively to the alcohol spray. Wait 24 hours before applying it to the entire plant.
4. Once confirmed, spray the affected areas of your plants generously. Make sure to cover both the tops and undersides of leaves, as pests often hide on the underside.
5. Use a cotton ball soaked in the alcohol mixture to target individual pests and hard-to-reach places.
6. Repeat the process as needed, but avoid over-saturating your plants to prevent any potential damage.

Further reading

I’ve created a list of several types of homemade organic sprays that provide nutrients or protect plants from pests and diseases. Check the post below for this list.

• 21 Organic Homemade Garden Spray For Plants