I need some advice. My husband bought me a very beautiful Hoya Carnosa all green variety that is wrapped around a bamboo hoop for Valentines Day. I isolated it for last couple of weeks, and when watering last night discovered white cotton like things along the branches. I know this must be mealy bugs. I've never had them so I've got a few questions.

Because I have several ropes, I do use BATS every 3-4 months for prevention. Should I simply take this plant back or try to get rid of the buggers?? He purchased it at one of he box stores. And second question.....if I try to get rid of them or future treatment advice, if I treat with systematic, I do still have to kill what's on leaves with alcohol? Or systematic will kill the bugs on leaves too?

Thanks for advice.
- Teisa