I contest it can be done in my experience here are some bullet points:
> The fewer plants you have, the easier it is. The larger your collection the more likely you'll chase the pests around. To reduce this, treat all the plants- at least all within 3' or so of the infected plants.
> How quickly you address the issue SERIOUSLY can help reduce the chance of it spreading. I know people like to dab alcohol and such, but I feel that can't fully solve the issue and gives it a chance to spread. Unless it's a single plant you got in, and it's out of the soil (so you know it's not a soil infestation as well) then you may be able to do something like that.
> I like a full on assault. It's the only way I've not had to chase them around and yes... I have chased them around by not being serious about treatment. By full assault, I'm talking about sticking to the treatment schedule. Rotating products within that schedule. Treating even when you think they're gone to make sure you catch any late hatchers. Don't just treat a single plant. I've gotten in the habit of treating 3' in all directions from the infested plant, and if that means half way into another tray I treat that whole tray.
> CHECK THE ROOTS! Mealy bugs love infesting the roots, and I think this is a main cause of reinfestation. They leave behind this while waxy stuff which repels water so even when you do a drench, it seems to fly right past the infestation and not treat them. If this is the case, I repot. Unpot the plant, clean all the media and dead leaves off and spray the plant and roots well with Neem mix. Allow to sit so it kinda drys on and repot. This should be done before the drench treatments if it's needed.
So what do I do on Sarracenia for mealy bugs?
I use 3 products:
--Neem oil (on contact neem oil based insecticide/miticide/fungicide) I use this when I see live pests that I can access for a quick knockdown. Can also be used to drench crowns for those hiding in there, but likely doesn't reach all of them.
--Imidacloprid (a nicotine mimic) based product (I've used Bayer fruit, citrus & vegetable but I'm sure there are others) as a drench. You water your plant with this and it is sucked up through the roots where it kills the bugs eating the plant.
--Acephate based product (I use a Orthene product that's very industrial and a small container is enough for a lifetime. I'm sure you can find a more user friendly product) Use this as a spray, it kills on contact and absorbs directly into the plant where it kills pests eating the plant even if you don't see them. Make sure to spray the whole plant- all sides.
Make sure you read and follow labels for all products you intend to buy and use.
Hope that helps!
Andrew