I think they are Mealy bugs... use Garlic water spray (it will work if they aren't mealy bugs)

Izhar

Any soft bodied insect pest will be effectively controlled using Insecticidal soap, Neem oil or BT sprays.
These products are safe and effective when applied following the directions on the containers.
The key to success is to read all the words on the label; a novel concept for some of us!
That would be me who learned this the hard way.

Definitely look like mealybugs to me - I usually let the ladybugs take care of 'em.

thanks for your input. I'll try the garlic water first. I'm assuming you just put garlic in water and spray???

NO NO NO NO! Do not hurt them. they are Ladybug larval stage. These turn into ladybugs. Don't do anything they are the good guys.

Those are mealybugs....spray with alcohol or neem oil or a soapy water mix. Definately NOT ladybug larvae.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm

The difference which cannot be noticed in a pic is that the Ladybug larvae move and are active as compared to mealybugs which rarely move.. a wooly ladybug larva looks quiet similar, thanks tufanewbe..

mrs_tlc you have to boil Garlic in water for some time before spraying the water..

Oh! You mean the 'mealybug destroyer' larvae?
Looks like tufanewbe nailed it!

Here is a link that might be useful: Google Image results for 'mealybug destroyer larvae'

Tufanewbe you nailed it! The bugs do seem like mealies from first glance...but mealybugs are smaller, flatter, less fuzzy and just sit in a clump.

Hmmm, well, I'm glad I've been too busy to kill them yet! I'll check on them in the a.m. and see the status. Thanks so much you guys!