Thank you all for your answers . . .and don't worry, Ray--I wouldn't share
my black jack with any orchids!
"Bob Walsh" wrote in message
news:cBUTb.168353$Rc4.1295542@attbi_s54...
Princess,

Don't forget to add a few drops of dish detergent to the alcohol. It
dissolves the waxy coating the scale uses to protect itself.

Bob

"Princess Spendalotta" wrote in
message news:j8QTb.170099$5V2.856525@attbi_s53...
How often is it safe to repeat swabbing with alcohol for scale? I hate
to
spray chemicals in the house in the winter . . . and at this time of
year,
the basement, garage, etc. all all far too cold to leave an orchid in.