Do not know if this help but is is more info. from ehow Mealybugs are cottony-looking insects with piercing/sucking mouth parts. They suck the fluids from leaves and stems, robbing plants of essential nutrients. Mealybugs feed on all parts of the plant, but especially on tender new growth. Leaves wither and yellow and, on crop plants, fruit may drop prematurely. Instructions * STEP 1: Identify mealybugs by looking on the undersides of leaves and around leaf joints. These insects look like small (1/10 to 1/8 of an inch) balls of cotton. Mealybug-damaged plants look withered and sickly and may have sticky sap on the leaves and stems. * STEP 2: Spray a strong jet of water directly on to the affected area of the plant. The stream washes the insects off. This is the easiest way to control mealybugs. * STEP 3: Spray with a soap/oil mixture if the water alone doesn't do the job. Mix 1 tsp. insecticidal soap, 1/2 tsp. horticultural oil, and 1 quart water in a spray bottle. There are also numerous chemical products available for the control of mealybugs. * STEP 4: Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to treat minor infestations. Dab the rubbing alcohol directly onto the insects. * STEP 5: Try purchasing and releasing a natural predator called mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) for serious infestations. Place the mealybug destroyers directly on the infested plant. * STEP 6: On an ongoing basis, attract other types of predatory insects, such as parasitic wasps (Leptomastix dactylopii), that will consume and control mealybugs. Grow their favorite plants such as dill, fennel, coreopsis and brightly colored flowers near the mealybug-prone plants. * STEP 7: Select and plant plants that are naturally resistant to mealybugs. These include plants with a milky sap and thick or fuzzy leaves - they'll vary depending on where you live.

Doing a search I found this...sounds familiar? (see link) soo...besides the coinsidence of the question and answer: I think this is what you have: Interior Live Oak Mealybug BUT I can't find any real information on it. The reason that I think it is this mealybug is through process of elimanation. Nothing else seemed to fit. I couldn't find out how harmful it is or anything else. I am going to assume that since there is very little information that it isn't much of a problem. You can try doing a search and maybe find something I didn't. If no one else steps up to the plate to help you on this forum then you can call the extension office @ 744-5519 Here is a link that might be useful: white stuff

I mix 10% alchohol with water in a spray bottle and when I spray my citrus plants. They get a small light dose just-in-case. Just noticed some on one of my small fig trees and I clipped a few leaves off and sprayed a nice and medium dose ( 30% alchohol ) and will repeat in a couple of days. I sent them on thier way with a good dab with a Q-tip dipped in alchohol directly onto the bug. Burns them dead on the spot. That will teach them a lesson! The bug travels from plant to plant mostly if you have two or more plants cross branching/touching each other. You might also purchase Safer garden safe insect soap. This stuff works well for me. I'm no expert but these methods seem to work well for me. Rafed Sterling Heights, Mi.

I managed to get rid of some mealy bugs that were infesting a potted fern, both on the leaves and in the soil. It meant spraying the fern daily with half meths half water for a couple of weeks. I also drenched the soil in the pot with some Amway organic cleanser mixed with rainwater. Had to do this about 3 times, 1 week apart too. Finally won the battle! I don't know how this would work for plants in the ground though, because they would soon be back. Soap products aren't too good around frogs either. Might have to resort to a systemic like Confidor (I've never used it though.)