Infestation on succulent

[Aridane]

Tried taking a picture to illustrate what I'm talking about but couldn't get it in focus!

One of my succulents has a minor infestation of small balls of white sticky fluffy stuff. I've gently removed these with a pin but they're coming back.

Any suggestions as to how to remove? Can I use regular anti bug spray?

Thanks!

Mealy bugs probably www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=201 some advice here.

Mealy bugs. They have a waxy coating that helps them resist pesticides but you can paint them with methylated spirits to dissolve it. Back in the day I used to then use malathion on them but I believe it’s now banned. Worth looking for a biological control on the internet too, bet there’s one out there.

Does very much sound like mealybugs!

I’ve used meths in a plastic sprayer bottle for years. Whenever I spot the blighters I squirt them, they turn orange instantly (waxy coat dissolves) and die. You probably wont get them all the first time so keep the plant separate, inspect regularly and respray if necessary. Also would recommend close inspection of your other plants.

Used an insecticide spray on a few occasions over several weeks and it got rid of the suckers - though the sprouting arch of succulent blooms was beyond help. However, it has marked the lovely bloom / patina of the leave. Still, the mealybugs are gone!

There is a biological control but I've not had success with them. They tend to fly away.