Those pesky Mealy bugs. Our cactus seem to be growing so nicely, then along comes that hungry Mealy bug and starts sucking the juice right out of them! There are lots of ways to get rid of these pests. From patiently picking them off with tweezers to spraying chemicals. If there are not that many we suggest picking them off. Keep some rubbing alcohol handy for sterilizing. 

If you have to spray, follow mixing directions on the Malathion bottle for ornamentals. Before spraying be sure that this plant has been well watered a day prior to treating. This will decrease the risk of chemically burning your cactus. If spraying soft succulents, dilute the mixture of Malathion by 50%. Succulents are more tender.  They also may lose their leaves, so be careful!