If you don't like using insecticides, then soft soap is a good alternative, but this can be expensive. I don't know if it is available in the US, but Stergene washing liquid is a soft soap, is a quarter of the price, and works. The only thing is when I use soap, is to wash the leaves with clean water once a week. Please don't use washing up liquid. Too many chemicals in it. Also with Mealybug, I have heard, wiping the leaves with paraffin, then washing with clean water works. Never tried it, but maybe worth a try if all else fails.
