White scale or Mealy Bugs?

[Richard Hole]

Hello

I noticed the pest on a few of my plants. It may be generally present in my area so destroying the plants may not solve the problem as the pest may only return. Do you know of any specific pesticides that are safe to use? A systemic one would be good but are there any that have a low toxicity to humans? My concern is that they could accidentally spill or get on your skin or be inhaled. What do you think of the solutions at http://prohort.ifas.ufl.edu/asian_cycad_scale/solution.shtml ?
Some people say oil based pesticides can harm Nepenthes. However, I was talking to a grower of Nepenthes that successfully uses Hort Oil to control scale. I think white oil would be similar. I would like to know what other people think about this.

Also what do you think about diluting confidor in water and soaking the roots of the infected plant in it for a few hours or days. Do you have any suggestions how much I should dilute the confidor that I bought made up in a spray bottle. It is a nicotine based insecticide.

Your help will be appreciated,
Regards Richard.