I agree with Ken. I have bought beautiful large hanging mini petunia baskets from the same place several years, but this is the first year I noticed they just did not take off and thrive as my porch is usually the perfect mix of moisture/sun and with regular feeding they just take off and stay happy! I will never again walk out of the nursery without checking because they are rather pricey, so it isn't just the "bargain" baskets we need to check. Unfortunately also, I had to go out of town shortly after bringing them home and my neighbor who watered for me now says she saw them but didn't think to say anything to me. I called the nursery to confirm my memory that dish soap and water was still a good treatment, but had not heard the mouthwash ingredient. Mine are pretty sick puppies right now, but after treating 2 days in a row, I may need to add the mouthwash because the little suckers seems to be just hanging on. Thanks for the info everyone!

If you cut the plant back, would it grow again? I know it's painful to consider this as an option but unless you can really work on every nook and cranny, and for multiple treatments - you may be defeating the purpose if you leave it large and don't give the plant the full routine. So, painful - yes. I suggest that you cut back the plant to a few smaller, more treatable shoots - and, then first, wash all the leaves, stems with an alcohol/water solution and cotton swabs. After this, and letting it dry - then spray it with a neem oil/water concoction. Re-treat by spraying weekly until you don't notice any returned bugs. And, you know those curtains, and the pole? ... you will have to take those down and wash them. The mealies could be leaving egg deposits... It's a monumental task, good luck.

Hi! Thanks for your replies! While I was searching online, I came across mealy bugs which sounded right since they attach and suck sap. But they looked nothing like what I saw in the pic. It didn't have legs like they have in the first pic I saw. The ones in the link that msmarieh posted look closer to what I saw, only mine were smaller. So maybe they were very immature? I also didn't see any cottony stuff on the leaves. But maybe its very early since I check them often. I will do more research on them and look for more suggestions. Another thing that I am concerned about is if the spearmint is safe to use? Should I cut away all the sticky leaves and branches? I'm going to try to spray the plant with the water hose today to see what I can remove. A majority of the leaves have those "white things" on them. I can't get my camera to zoom in enough to show what's on the leaves. I was out all day yesterday so i haven't even seen it since I posted this question. Also, do you think the DE will help if they are mealy bugs? Thanks for you help! I appreciate it!

In the absence of pictures... Insecticidal Soap treatment until you figure out what you have. You can buy it but if you have dish washing "soap" (not detergent or liquid) you can make your own. Mix one or two TBS soap to one quart of water and spray the plant and bugs daily. It should keep them at bay until you figure out what they are. Bill