Re: Aphids and soapy spray

"Nick Maclaren" <nmm1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:g09evs$pn1$1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> In article 
> <87aa12c4-b924-4337-aba1-000ebad6b0fb@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
> "Cat(h)" <cathy_ie@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> writes:
> |>
> |> > Interesting link, thanks Des. I notice they mention a list of 
> chemical
> |> > insecticides but surprisingly don't mention the substantially
cheaper
> |> > and less toxic method I used. I would have thought the RHS would be

> more
> |> > sup****tive of such approaches.
> |>
> |> They talk of "fatty acids".  Isn't that the active ingredient in
soap?
>
> Yes.
>
> The reason that they don't mention it is that our Lords and Masters
> in Whitehall have made it illegal to use detergent and methylated
> spirits, and imposed extra restrictions on horticultural soaps
> (such as Savona).  A conspiracy theorist would suspect that was
> done in arrangement with the agrichemical companies.

Well, that's not exactly true. It's not permitted to use any preparation 
which isn't licensed and soapy water and meths etc. haven't been licensed.
I 
doubt that one would be banged up for using such things but it is illegal
to 
unlicensed sell soapy water as a treatment for pests.

Mary