There are two types of mealy bugs, foliar mealy bugs are cottony white and located on the foliage. Soil Mealy bugs are usually in the soil although they can come up to the foliage at times.

You can see soil mealies with the help of a 30X loupe and they do walk around.

Foliar mealies move very slowly if at all. The fluffy white on the foliage is actually nests. These can be cleaned by draging a Q-tip dipped in alcohol across the nest. When using alcohol, rince with warm water since alcohol could dry out the plant.

Soil mealies are much, much harder to control. Expensive chemicals are used for this, usually Marathon granules or liquid.

Are yours on the foliage?

Nancy

Hi,
As Nancy said foliar mealies are easier to control. Use a small brush or Q-Tip dipped in Alcoholl to eliminate the problem. If you are limited in space you can enclose any new plant in a terrarium, Zip lock bag or any other tight container to isolate it. Just make sure you don't put the plant in the container in the sun because it will cook. I use plastic ice cream sundae cups with clear plastic tops to isolate my leaves and small plants. I purchase them at a local restaurant supply. Just make sure you check them weekly to make sure they haven't dried out.
Fred in NJ