Help Identifying this bug and best way to remedy the situation?

[Dr. Green Thumb 4]

Hi Community,

I've been noticing a few of these cocoon like things on some of my plants. Don't know what they are and would like to get rid.

The ants seem to be drawn towards them...

Looks almost furry around the sides.

When I turned it over it looked like some bug that had laid some type of small red eggs. Still quite visible to the human eye. The ants still intrigued by it.

I have removed what I managed to find and squashed it on the ground. Quite soft and squishy.

Would appreciate if someone could steer me in the direction of a fix.

Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[Fridge 538]

Hi, not 100% sure but these could be mealy bugs. They produce honeydew which the ants harvest. The ants transport them to other host plants in turn. Check them out on google, but I believe neem oil would work against them.

Edit: I wouldn't use neem if you're too far in flower already.

Edit edit: @GreenGrow Garden Routefound the match. Never saw those around yet. Thanks man, that info might come in handy in future. 

Edited February 12 by Fridge

[GreenGrow Garden Route 224]

https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-samsung-rev2&sxsrf=ALeKk03IHV0JlwbpxUNJ17RUbP3g7WqxVw:1613108575519&q=Cottony+cushion+scale&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLSz9U3MDIvKDAxWMQq6pxfUpKfV6mQXFqckZmfp1CcnJiTuoOVEQBq_XoSKQAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuxoLd0ePuAhXkUBUIHZ_oBGsQgOQBegQIHRAG&biw=360&bih=616&dpr=3

[Dr. Green Thumb 4]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. Went down a little rabbit hole on both insects, so worthwhile having read up on the additional info. 

Definitely looks like the Cottony Cushion Scale. Not ideal, but far from a disaster pest.

Neem Oil, Insecticidal Soaps & Power Spray Bottles should do the trick for anybody else dealing with this and coming across this in the future!