I'm kind of surprised this subject and discussion is being tolerated in an organic forum. Alcohol is a disinfectant - meaning it kills "germs," like beneficial bacteria and fungi. The organic approach is to grow healthy plants with a healthy supply of bacteria and fungi that are resistant to the sucking insects. Down here in San Antonio we find that foliar spraying every two weeks with liquid seaweed (3 ounces per gallon of water) strengthens the plants to resist most sucking insects including (if not especially) spider mites. I'm experimenting with a milk spray (3 ounces or less per gallon) to see if it works as well for a whole lot less hassle and cost. I know the organic approach works on aphids. My roses suffered 8 years of aphids before I went organic. Since 2001 I have not seen an aphid on them. Your mileage may vary, but that's the no-kiddin truth at my house. All I do is topdress the rose beds with an inch of compost every spring and fertilize with a handful per plant of ordinary corn meal every month. We had been composting during the years of aphid infestation, but when we added the corn meal, the aphids disappeared. Another example of organic approach working is from a local organic experimenter who gave me a tour of his greenhouse. He pulled out three small plants in 4 inch pots. The three plants were all touching pot rims and the plant canopies were intermingled. He slid the tray out and showed me that only one of the three plants had aphids on it. It was pretty well covered while the other two plants were aphid free. The only difference was the soil. All three were growing in Wal-Mart potting mix but the two without aphids had been amended with compost, greensand, and ground basalt sand. I realize that three plants do not make a very serious experiment, but in the entire greenhouse, there was only one plant with aphids. Before that I had assumed that once a greenhouse was penetrated by aphids, the entire place had to be quarantined. Guess not.

Unfortunately, alchohol doesn't touch PM, but Lysol does. Just hold the can away from the plant and spray above it, so the Lysol settles, rather than spraying directly on the plant. One caveat; Lysol *will* damage the flowers. I've never tried the milk. I believe it changes the pH. Once you get rid of the PM, you need to look into your culture. Either there's too much humidity, not enough air circulation, or both. Fix it to help keep it away. Good luck. Korina 'Give her hell for us, Peeves.' -Fred Weasley (or was it George?)

Hot Buttered Rum 1 Lemon Twist 1 Stick of Cinnamon 1 Clove Boiling Cider 2 oz. Rum* Pat of Butter** In a mug or pewter tankard, add spices and rum. Fill with cider & float Butter in top. Notes from Marlen: There are versions out there using vanilla ice cream but I prefer it this way. *I prefer dark rum but either will do **NEVER margarine!! ***************** This one is good and easy to make in a crockpot! Mulled Wine 2 bottles dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup water 1 square (8 inches) double-thickness cheesecloth Peel of 1 orange 1 cinnamon stick, broken into halves 8 whole cloves 1 whole nutmeg Orange slices, optional Combine wine, corn syrup, and water in slow cooker. Rinse cheesecloth; squeeze out water. Wrap orange peel, cinnamon stick halves, cloves, and nutmeg in cheesecloth. Tie securely with cotton string or strip of cheesecloth. Add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 2 to 2.5 hours. Discard spice bag; ladle into glasses. Garnish with orange slices, if desired.

sounds good