Question
About two weeks ago, my hibiscus plant had a few white dot-like clusters on several of its leaves.  It looked like mold at first.  Because it was starting to get cold, I brought my hibiscus into my apartment.  In the morning, I noticed many small, white flies flying around.  It was so disgusting.  I took the plant back outside (there is no frost yet anyway).  There are now many, many white "dots" all over the entire hibiscus plant.  They are on top of the leaves, under the leaves, even on the stems and branches.  When the leaves are touched or shaken, the white spots do not move; however, they can be scraped off of the leaves.  I bought a pesticide (OrthoMax I believe) and unloaded an entire bottle on the fairly large plant.  When sprayed, the white spots literally spray right off.  I don't want to bring the plant inside with these pests on them.  What are they?  I am having a hard time deciding between aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs.  In pictures, aphid eggs look yellow; the ones on my plant are white.  I read that whiteflies fly away when you shake the plant; nothing flies when I touch or shake the plant.  Whatever they are, they're disgusting!  Please help!  

Answer
Allison,

For aphids, whiteflies and even some scale insects insecticidal soap works better than most conventional insecticides and it is much safer to use. See http://www.livingwithbugs.com/insecticidal_soap.html for background info.

I can't tell from your description which these are but they are likely either aphids or whiteflies. Try the insecticidal soap, you may need to repeat it a couple of time to get good control.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com