I think a few of my hibiscus have white mites. The stems are covered with white specs. I tried to spray most off with a hose. How bad are these for hibiscus?

I've never had white mites on any of my plants. I've had white flies. Do yours fly?

They don't fly to be honest they look like tiny white eggs that covered the stems.

You could try Neem oil, or Safer Soap. I sure hope you can get rid of them. You don't need problems like that with all of your hibiscus. If you can get a photo of them, please post it.

Here is a pic. I noticed when I squished them against the bark they turn yellow.

Looks like Mealybugs to me. For just a few bugs you can apply rubbing alcohol to them with a Q-tip, but for larger infestations, I would use Neem Oil or Safer Soap as @plantmanager said.

I agree, it does look like Mealy bugs. They are pretty common, but easily eradicated.

Would they spread so much that both stems would be totally covered with them in like a week in a half?

If the conditions were right for them, yes. I've had plants taken over by them very quickly.

May I ask what you use to eradicate mealy bugs.

luvmyseeds said:May I ask what you use to eradicate mealy bugs.

I'm finally getting around to it and have 4 infested. I'm going to try spraying the plant with chamomile tea and see if that works.

I have been thinking of just dipping a rag in rubbing alcohol and wiping the branches with it. Will that harm the plants? If had tried safer soap in the past and it ruined the leaves on the plant.

Whitefly are really bad for hibiscus, not so much because of the direct damage they cause but because, if left unchecked, they will produce a ton of honeydew that will then support sooty mold.
As bad as mold is however, the worst risk is whitefly will spread some pathogen among your plants: mosaic viruses are among the many these nasty little critters can spread.

The best ways to get rid of them are either agri-grade pesticides (which are not universally accessible) or simply wipe the leaves with a wet rag if you have the time.
Dousing the plant with a garden hose also works wonders and is 100% safe but it's usually a no-go indoors.