My grandmother soaked all of my
grandfather's cigar butts into a large jar out on the back porch
she used the mixture to spray her orchids. this was in the early
'40's. it definitely killed aphids.

there is an artificial nicotine on the market that works. It is
relatively safe.

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 17:35:45 -0400, "Diana Kulaga"
wrote:

I heard about a mixture that some use on roses for aphids. I'm not saying I
will try this, but I am curious.

The formula: 1 lb. loose tobacco; 7 pints water; 1 pint alcohol. Let steeo
for a week or so, until the water has turned the color of tea. They advise
using a capful of mineral spirits to deter kids (or idiots) from drinking
the stuff. Strain out the tobacco and spray.

If it does work, would it kill anything besides aphids, and would it be safe
on orchids? I'm thinking tobacco mosaic virus here, even though the tobacco
has been cured.

As I said, just curious. It sounds noxious to me.

Diana