Cinnamon extract substitute?

[tansyflower]

I want to make the magic bug killer formula (recipe care of someone on this site) but I can't find cinnamon extract in Australia. Does anyone know where I can buy it, or what I can use as a substitute?

I have big fat healthy mealy bugs, and they are spreading!!!!!

[psyc1210]

I just put regular ground cinnamon in mine, and it seems to work fine. I haven't seen cinnamon extract at my local grocery store, and haven't bothered searching for it elsewhere.

[fred]

Tansy
I use ground cinnamon powder on mine as well for cuts
here is a link to brookn Recipe
The Best Stuff Ever!!!

[delphiguy]

tansy
where did you get the recipe from???

[delphiguy]

fred
thanks we must have posted at the same time.

[fred]

hehehe great minds think alike
it took me a while to find that

[delphiguy]

well if this works as advertised then i can really get rid of all the chems i have now. can
this also be used as a fungiside? or am i asking too much hehe.

[tansyflower]

Thanks for that, guys.

Delphiguy- this is really supposed to work well, I'm not a big chemical fan either- apart from the fact that they are so expensive. I'm not sure about fungicidal properties tho.

[brookn]

Hi Tansy, if you can find cinnamon oil, that will work also. I have found it in my natural foods store locally. I just use a bit less as it is concentrated more than the extract.

[tansyflower]

Thanks Brookn. I just went into town and forgot to buy cinnamon, so will have a look for the oil next time.

[willowbanks]

I have big fat healthy mealy bugs, and they are spreading!!!!

Tansy, sounds like you have a big problem up there on the mountain!!!!!

Those bugs are sucking the life out of your plants.

I gather you don't want to use chemical insecticides so have you tried natural Pyrethrum, non residual and only kills on contact.

Bill

[fred]

yeah I would agree with Pyrethrum as well Bill
its safe to use and works really well on bugs
we grow alot of Pyrethrum here is Tassie

[tansyflower]

Fred, I had a holiday job splitting pyrethrum plants (for replanting) when I was 16 (many moons ago) in Ulverstone (in Tasmania, where Fred lives and I grew up).

Fred and Bill-Any idea how I buy this, in what form? and under what name?

[NancyG]

I bought the cinnamon oil at the local Target Super Store.

[fred]

Originally Posted by tansyflower

Fred, I had a holiday job splitting pyrethrum plants (for replanting) when I was 16 (many moons ago) in Ulverstone (in Tasmania, where Fred lives and I grew up).

Fred and Bill-Any idea how I buy this, in what form? and under what name?

lucky I bought some today one sec I will get up and give you the details on the plastic spray pack.

the brand name Defender .. Pyrethrum .. Insect Spray in a green plastic container pre mixed yellow top sprayer.
kills Aphids, Thrips, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Ants, Whitefly
750 mil

[Sassismom]

Fred, but what about mealy bugs? As you may remember I've had an ongoing problem with these little creepies.

[fred]

pyrethrum should do the trick for that as well Cheryl
I read for mealy bugs the chids need to be sprayed weekly

[willowbanks]

Fred's 750ml spray bottle is good for starters then the cheapest way to buy Pyrethrum is in a 250ml bottle of concentrate and refill the spray bottle. Your not buying water that way.

Heaps of different brand names out there Tansy, only difference between them is g/l concentration.

You can buy this stuff at Bunnings or any hardware store.

Bill

[tansyflower]

Thanks Bill, for the tip about the concentrate. I usually buy sprays this way if possible.

I picked some coffee beans today, and each one (where it joined the stem) was just caked with mealy bugs.

I actually dislike them enough now to squash them with my bare fingers (still have to suppress gag reflex tho)

[fred]

yep your right about the concentrate Bill
I just have not been able to find that as yet near me.
as for my nearest bunning store that is over 200 ks from my place
when I do see the concentrate I will make sure I get 2 bottles
I might just get my friends that own the orchid nursery to get some in for me
they only have the per mixed stuff at the moment also

[tansyflower]

Can you use the pyrethrum spray or brookn's miracle spray on the buds? Even dip the bud in it?

I just found a fat juicy mealy bug on the bottom of a large phal bud. I really want this bud to survive, as the phal's a noid I bought off the discount stand, and I don't know what the flowers look like yet. I've already had two buds blast and I think it was the mealies.

[willowbanks]

Yes Tansy you can safely spray Pyrethrum on the bud to kill the critter, you can also spray this insecticide on flowers and it won't mark them.

Bill

[fred]

I would not recommend dipping the flower though
I would spray as I agree with Bill.

[tansyflower]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll just spray and hope for the best. The bud is about an inch long, so hopefully, it should pop soon, before the mealies do too much more damage.