Question
I have orchids and violets in my kitchen nook window and I noticed these white fuzzy dust bugs infesting under the leaves and inside.  Can I spray it with alcohol or will it kill my plants?  I remember these bugs on a bonsai plant I had and it killed it.  Do they have anything to do with spiders?

Answer
Suzy,
First of all, your question was answered over a week ago.  I have several questions from folks that showed up today who did not receive their replies from me, and for whatever reason I APOLOGIZE to you for that!

To use alcohol directly on plants is much too strong.  What is usually recommended to get rid of these aphids or white flies (whichever is present the elimination method is the same).  You can wash them off with a strong spray of water, although we both know that African violets should not be exposed to cool water, and a strong spray of water could break off leaves.  Better for violets is to use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol applied DIRECTLY to the underside of the leaves where the insects gather.  The alcohol will kill the insects almost immediately.  You can also use witch hazel or nail polish remover, but keep in mind they are all fairly toxic to the plants.  If you are careful you can avoid touching the leaves.  If you must use something on a larger scale than a cotton swab, please use one of the products recommended for insect control for INDOOR houseplants.  The names are too many to list, but very easy to locate in a garden center.

I wish you lots of luck.  Again, my apologies for you not getting my reply.