Elias, in the information I sent to you from Clemson University it was noted in the publication that Imidacloprid can control soft scales, and dinotefuran will control both soft and armored scales.  It does appear that this is a soft scale.  The picture of what we believe to be mealybugs is not clear enough.  You could have this diagnosed by the MSU Diagnostic Services in East Lansing.  They could give you a positive identification of these insects.  If you can identify them by the pictures from the publication I sent to you from the University of California please follow their recommendations for managing this pest.  It will take an integrated approach of cultural practices, and management techniques to attempt to rid this plant of mealybugs.  Note that the publication recommends avoiding high rates of nitrogen since it can stimulate egg production.  MSU Diagnostic Services website for insect identification is https://pestid.msu.edu/