Question
I'm taking care of a plant for a co-worker, and it has this weird looking parasite that looks white and puffy, like tiny white hairballs that attach to the underside of leaves and to the joints where the leaves meet the branch.  I think it's a type of bug, but I don't know.  Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of it?

Answer
Talisha:
From your description this sounds like an insect, either a type of scale insect (mealy bug) or wooly aphid. If the numbers are managable on your plant, you can merely wipe them off with a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol.
You can look at some pictures of these little critters using Google search engine. Select "Images" in Google and type in mealy bug then check out wooly aphid too. If you can't find a photo, you can send me one and I'll try to get it identified.

There is also an insecticide that you can buy at the garden center or nursery called BAYER ADVANCED TREE AND SHRUB INSECT CONTROL.  It is a liquid that you mix with water and then pour on the soil below the plant.  The plant takes it up through the roots.  It will take a bit of time to kill the insects on the plant, but it will continue killing for several months. It contains a material called imidacloprid. This stuff isn't cheap, but it is quite good for killing many type of sucking insects like those I mentioned. Can be used for houseplants that are in a pot or plants in the ground outside.  Be sure to read the directions if you decide to use it.

Enjoy!

Steve