Rubbing alcohol

23 years ago

Hiya all.

Everyone recommends using rubbing alcohol on bugs n things, just wondering what sort you use? I take it rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol, usually 70%, but can ethanol be used instead (ie methlyated spirits?).

I've been looking around, and the only sort of isopropyl I've found is Isocool, which is $7 for a 500ml bottle; whereas good ol' metho is less than $2. Does it matter if I used metho?

I'm sure somewhere isopropyl must be sold bulk, like kero bottles or something, but does anyone recommend what brand and from where? I've tried Bunnings etc with no luck.

Regards, Lis :)

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Comments (3)

ezza
23 years ago
well i would not have a clue on this one, but do u think it would be better to spay the alcohol on, i would be inerested in knowing how u rub it on. if u sprayed it on with a mister would it get in to all those hidden spots.
cactus_kev
23 years ago
You can get Isopropynol alcohol from laboritory supply places . You need to get technical grade alcohol otherwise you need to get a license to purchase (medical grade)(at least in the NT ).They think you might drink it or something .mmmm thats a thought ;-) hic!
It's pretty expensive though at $11.00 a litre . Best stick with metho ,I just use 50% metho 50% rain water and one or two drops of dishwashing liquid ,spray it on the mealies ,leave it for half an hour and then spray the plant with clean rain water before putting back in the sun.
Dave61
23 years ago
Hi
I have used metho on a cotton bud for mealy bugs where they are easy to reach. I have also used it 50/50 with water sprayed on Bulbines where the bugs could not be reached. Both methods seem to work fine.
I don't know about rubbing alcohol though if in doubt just put a bit on a small area of the plant and see if it has any side affect.
Regards dave61