CLOSED: Severe Infestation of these Strange Bugs.

This is the first time I've seen these bugs in the garden. I've a 'Rose of Sharon' or Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) by my mail box, its seedpods -- hundreds of seedpods, virtually all of them are covered by these small little bugs. I can see eggs masses, then the first hatchlings, and bigger as they grow. What are they? Should I find a mean to control them or is it best to terminate its hostplant. The hibiscus itself? I am concern that it may spread to neighbor's hibiscus in the future, if it hasn't already.

I think I would cut it back as far as possible. Very carefully place the cut pieces into a garbage bag so not to lose any of the bugs. Seal it tight so none can escape. You might spray some bug killer in the bag before you seal it. I believe you can save the plant and get rid of the bugs. If you have no bug killer poor in some alcohol, bleach, or ammonia (Bu just one or you will kill you and not them. I am sure the smell will smother them.
Someone else will chime in and maybe have a better idea. Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

Hmmmm, as sun break through. I thought I'd check on the adjecent neighbor's Altheas. By jorg! theirs are no longer there. I'll have to find out whether they rid of the trees due to the bugs?

Thanks for your suggestion. I'd like a positive I.D. Here are a series of new pictures taken today.

The picture enlarged;

The above picture appears to be a more mature bug, compared to others.

The eggs mass.

In various stages, from newly hatch to slightly larger nymphs.

Scentless plant bug (Niesthrea louisianica) - http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/4480/

Many thanks. Mystery solved!

I would not freak out too much, it may not be something that happens every year. Every couple of years my yuccas get infested with some tiny black, maybe dark brown beetles. It is not such a bad thing since when the beetles are present the flowers get pollinated and the larvae eat the seeds inside the pods. Last year I removed all the pods and this year there were no beetles and there were only 2 seed pods.

Getting back to your problem I would remove the seed pods with the bugs and destroy them. I have about a 30 foot wall of Rose of Sharon and I was out looking at pods earlier and didn't see anything unusual or anything like your critters.