Mealy bugs and other unwelcome guests...

[Flobish]

Have had some recent sightings (and killings) of isolated mealy bugs, always on my mini phals.
The tricky buggers tend to hide under the clips which hold the spikes to their supports, so for people even MORE inexperienced than I: close inspection every day has been the key in keeping their numbers minimal for me.
I've swabbed with alcohol, which keeps them gone for a few weeks or so. Today I sprayed with my d. I. Y. bug soap (water, dish soap, a little cinnamon) and I'm wondering if anyone has: 1. A soap solution which has worked better than others ; 2. Another solution (literal or figurative) which has proven better; and 3. Opinions on these and/or insect pests in general re: insectivorous plants, etc.
I've also seen, only once, what was either a true or false (difference?) red spider mite, which I dealt with similarly, E. G. Swabbing with alcohol, then bathing and spraying with the soap.
Any suggestions would be welcomed, and I finally feel confident in my mould/mould fly treatment methods, so if you're not sure I may be able to help.

Also, I believe I've almost perfected my preparation of d. I. Y. Self-harvested deep- furrow Douglas fir bark, so if anyone happens to be as fortunate as I am in having huge quantities of the stuff available and doesn't know what to do with it, ask me! ;-)