What are these dust-like insects?

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LAS14 Albany, ME(Zone 4b) Apr 21, 2018

I let these things go for a while, thinking they were nymphs of aphids or mites because I was having success with Neem (watering, not spraying) and I know Neem attacks certain parts of the life cycle. Then I sprayed them with insecticidal soap, which may have done the job, but I see they are showing up on new plants. One of the photos is of an apparent graveyard. I wish I knew what killed them. Eventually half the leaves on the worst infested hibiscus fell off.

They look like dust on the leaves. Very pale brown. Individuals are smaller than a grain of salt. I think they can fly, as I see one in the air every now and then, but it may just be floating on an air current.

Does this ring any bells?

Note - This is a re-post since I am now able to provide pictures.

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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Apr 22, 2018

This is really interesting, and I do not have a definitive answer. The objects on the leaf do resemble the shed 'skins' (exuviae) of aphids, but that would not explain the ones on the window sill.
That aside, hibiscus plants reportedly can be quite sensitive, and even the simple procedure of moving a plant can cause leaf loss, so the leaf drop by your plant might not be directly related to the infestation. I suggest just carrying on with periodic applications of insecticidal soap/Neem oil.

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subaya Garland, ME May 09, 2018

I have the same kind of pest, which has afflicted my alstroemeria, 2 kalanchoes, cyclamen, long-leaf jade (mild), maybe serissa, few on leaves of my Meyer lemon, Cape ivy. A couple plants also had cottony deposits on stems at leaf joints, made me think mealy bugs and I treated them with rubbing alcohol (suggested for mealy bugs). Seemed to work, except I overdid it for the Cape ivy. Seems to be some sticky residue on some plants.

Pictures are of latest victim, a kalanchoe. Any info on ID or treatments will be much appreciated!

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Post #10360844
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND May 09, 2018

These look more like the the shed 'skins' (exuviae) of aphids than anything else. As with LAS14, I suggest trying applications of insecticidal soap/Neem oil.
Also, you are more likely to get responses if you start a new thread rather than hopping onto an existing one.

Post #10360882
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subaya Garland, ME May 09, 2018

Thanks, Flapdoodle. I'm used to discussion forums, so posted on this one since it seems to be the same critter. I'll do a new thread in a couple days, maybe can expand on what I wrote here.

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