I grow succulents ( esp. stapeliads) and mealy bugs can be downright devastating if not controlled. I clean active infestations off plants with alcohol, but like some of the others here, use a systemic rose food containing Imidacloprid regularly. Surface treat all my pots going outdoors in early summer, and again about a month before they come in for the winter. Had an active infestation a few years ago, after moving from IL to IA. Deep treated all my plants by soaking some systemic beads in a gallon of water & then applying it to every pot, in addition to the surface app. It worked. Dealt with a succulent grower in IL for years, that used a concentrate instead that was applied to all of her greenhouse stock, and she often recommended I do the same. The reasoning... the active % in the systemics is quite low in comparison to the full strength concentrates. I've yet to use the stronger preparation. I don't fertilize much, so the systemic does both jobs for me, and has been working. Another tip, keep new acquisitions quarantined from your collection until they've been treated, and are deemed, bug free.
