I have used the original Bayer products containing imidacloprid for more than 15 years; the water-in systemic was called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub (BATS), but it recently changed to BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub - Protect and Feed.

It works.

I usually use it at the rate of 1.5 oz. to a gallon on dry plants.

They also make a spray called BioAdvanced Insect, Disease and Mite, but they recently removed the imidacloprid from it and it doesn’t work anymore on mealybugs.

Imidacloprid is fairly safe for people and warm-blooded pets.

I have tried several of the ”generic” versions of systemic, but did have as good control, so I only use the Bayer products.

The Bonide systemic granules contain Imidacloprid. They are fine. But I have a theory about why they don't work all that well with hoyas. Take it or leave it. The way systemics work is the plant takes up the poison essentially into its vascular system. My theory is that systemics like the granules work better with plants that take up a lot of water. But hoyas are not very thirsty plants so they don't take up a lot of water and therefore don't take up a lot of the systemic from the granules. I think a soil drench type of systemic may be more effective. But I am not sure. I've tried both and neither are a panacea for mealybugs. Especially since I have some very large hoyas that I can't readily spray. So those harbor the insects and just reinfect the others. What I really need is an army of beneficial insects. But no way am I releasing more bugs into my home. So I just kinda live with the mealybugs. I treat the plants that I can spray outdoors, I do use the granules, and I spray and use a lot of q-tips with alcohol.

I agree 100% Kyra. I always felt the same way about the roots.

I just ordered a 4# container of granules from Amazon for $20. That, plus alcohol and q-tips, along with a neem oil spray now will hopefully let the mealies know I mean business!

I've been telling them I mean business for years and they don't listen! If the plants are small enough, I would mix up a bucket with some of the liquid Imidacloprid and give them a dunk. You can put plastic wrap around the soil or plastic bag, then dunk the entire plant upside-down and leave it there for 5 minutes.

I have tried this method with dish soap and alcohol and they still lived. But with the Imidacloprid, death should be more imminent.

The bonide arrived today (I ordered bonide since it's the first one that came up and has Imidacloprid as it's active ingredient also). Fortunately I found my package on the front steps as the mealies were trying to carry it off into the bushes. Lucky for me, they move slow, cause my fast moving days are long behind me now. I wrestled the container from them and still Freddy hung on. Freddy is no longer with us. Tomorrow I'll place the appropriate amount in each pot, then water it in well. Hopefully, in a week or so it will do it's job.