Eric G wrote in news:sbhcs09d6nmptp9ujbgpf0vfaelm5c3f95@
4ax.com:

Several have advised that I use 'meths' to conquer my mealybug
problem.

My local hardware store had methyl hydrate rather than methylated
alcohol. What is the difference? Can methyl hydrate be used in this
case?

Thanks

Eric

Methyl hydrate is not the same as meths. It is sold as a paint stripper,
but otherwise its more usual name is wood spirit or methanol. It's pretty
nasty stuff and I don't think it will do your plants much good.

"Meths", on the other hand, is 95% pure ethanol (grain spirit), to which
chemicals have been added to make it unpalatable, to avoid tax on booze -
that is why meths, which would otherwise be taxed at twice the rate of
vodka, is so cheap. The main additive is methanol, hence the name
"methylated" sprirt.

Hope this helps,

Peter