Question
spots on a succulent that look like ity bity cotton balls have them top and under side too. have had it on this plant before but just sprayed with  high pressure from the hose

Answer
Hi Joanne,
   Your plant has Mealy Bugs. The main problem with washing insects off a plant with a strong spray of water is there are always a few insects and eggs left behind. For that to be effective, you will need to repeat washing the plant with a strong spray of water about every 3 days for at least 2-3 weeks until there is no longer any sign of an insect presence.
All it takes is one egg or one insect left behind to repopulate an infestation on your plant. Especially Aphids. Aphids are literally born pregnant.
I usually recommend washing plants off to remove as many insects as possible before using an insecticide.

Mealybugs are soft-bodied, oval shaped, scale like insects with many legs. Mealybugs are covered by a sticky, white, cottony looking substance that extends out from it's body like short filaments. Mealybugs can be a problem to get rid of because the cottony substance often protects the insect from pesticides. The best way to get rid of Mealybugs is to pick them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Be sure to check all little crevices, folds and grooves on both the leaves and stems. Also check the pot and the area immediate surrounding the pot (such as a window sill) as well as the plant for eggs. For severe infestations, a systemic insecticide may be needed to completely rid the plant of the insects.

You can also dilute rubbing alcohol with distilled water (about 50/50) in a small spray bottle and spray the plant. Always be careful when doing this and always spray a test leaf first as some plants may be harmed by the alcohol. Wait at least 24 hours after spraying the test leaf. If there is no damage to the test leaf then spray the rest of the plant.

Here is a link to a guide I wrote on insect control on houseplants. It has a lot of information on the most common insects found on houseplants, the methods used to control them and the most common insecticides used.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Insect-Control-On-Houseplants_W0QQugidZ10000000004625662

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
          Thanks
              Tracy