You can try making the alcohol concentrate stronger (I might even go straight alcohol) and really get in those nooks and crannies where the mealies hide, drench them. It usually takes several applications to get them all. You can also get in there and remove as many as you can with a q-tip dipped in alcohol or I use a small craft paintbrush sometimes too. And then keep an eye on it and remove them as you see them, it will help you get the upper hand on them.

Thank you! I've used a Q-tip and then switched to a spray bottle, but the small paint brush is a great suggestion. I so appreciate your encouragement.

You can also try squeezing the stem in the areas they are hiding to squash them as well as alcohol. Over some days, you should get them all one way or another.

It is my belief that mealies like to appear during times of warm air with the plants in water stress, and they make their mayhem. So water well and water often, I have not had a mealie problem in 30 years. In eradicating them, all above said it all.

We're in the Orlando, Florida area and it is so humid here so I moved it inside about a year ago. Thank you all again!

I've seen photos of huge ones growing outside in Florida. I didn't know the humidity would bother them.

Same here. I have read that they prefer more arid conditions - but I’m definitely not that knowledgeable!

I’ve had mealy bugs before - not this bad and not this persistent, though - but I have tried alcohol and when that didn’t work so well I tried Neem Oil. It’s organic and super easy on the plant itself. I’m always worried about drying out the plant with alcohol. You can get a spray bottle of Neem Oil in the pesticide section at Home Depot or wherever you shop!

I worry about the alcohol too. I’d forgotten about Neem Oil! Thanks!

Sometimes I use a small toothpick to smush the ones in nooks that I don't want alcohol to get into.