> Good afternoon,
> My wife purchased a dipladenia from a nursery. Although it has grown
> quite well, it became smothered in a pest that appears like a small
> version of woolley aphis. However, it is very sticky. The adults are
> brownish and the offspring are microscopic and nearly white.
> They form dense clusters not only at leaf joints, but even inside the
> plastic ties. I have sprayed with a systemic and sponged off all that
> I can find. Q. What are they please and have I done the right thing?
> Many thanks, regards, Malcolm

Hi Malcolm Welcome to NGA @ M319B

Can you possibly upload a picture of your plant and the pest? Also, it is easier to know where to start a search if you include a location..A city, state or country is very helpful as we have folks around the world here. Sponging the pests off is always a good idea, but identifying them gives you the upper hand in preventing an infestation.

Here are a couple links to look at that may help.

http://www.planetnatural.com/p...


https://www.google.com/search?...

Edited for content

Is it cochineal ?

Maybe can check this one

http://www.lannes.pro/en/dipla...

I was wondering about scale insects too XiaoLong (cochineal is one).

What was the systemic product? I agree with Jean, it's hard to identify without seeing a picture of the pest on your Mandevilla (syn. Dipladenia), Malcolm. Don't know if this link might be useful:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/g...

Dear Moonhowl, XiaoLong & sooby,
Thank you so much for your replies, which I have just managed to open. The very first picture on the link from Moonhowl, shows exactly the beasts I am looking for- mealy bugs. I am familiar with mealy bugs on apple trees, but did not realize that there were other types. I am going to try first the water jet as I have exactly the tool for it. Thanks to all of you for taking the trouble to answer me. It seems here in the UK, we have similar bugs keeping us gardeners on our toes.
Regards, Malcolm

@M319B You are welcome Malcolm. I hope you will visit NGA often.