Mealy bug infestation Help please

[notrub]

HELP! Sooty mold and scales. I have quite a few (20+) of these yellow flowering trees/bushes (name?) and they are infected with scales. I tried just wood vinegar then reluctantly added a Bayer chemical (see pic) and have also started heavily cutting back some of the most affected ones. There are too many to wash each plant. They only seem to be on this particular species of plant and even those adjacent are not affected (yet).  On YT 'imidacloprid' is recommended to apply by the roots. I have ordered some that is 5% WG, what does that mean? There is nothing that I have seen about % to mix with water and am not even sure if this is the right stuff. Is it safe? I am anti-heavy chemicals, Glyphosates etc.. Also ordered neem oil but don't really know how to use it. As you may suspect, I am not much of a gardener and would be most grateful for some guidance, please. Thank you very much in advance. Take care

[Bobtheblob]

When we get it on plants we use a mixture of water, vinegar and washing liquid. Approx 1 cup of water 2 table spoons vinegar one tea spoon washing up liquid. Spray when in full sun. It clears up the bugs for us. 

[proton]

Used to use methalayted spirits when I was a kid on cactus

[RAZZELL]

Tried vinegar with varying degrees of success.

 

 

RAZZ