What's it likely to be? Looks almost like little bits of cotton. It got out of control on the vegetables I started in the garage last winter, now it's showing up on African violets in the house. Best description I can give is that it looks like little bits of cotton stuck all over the plants. Both garlic/pepper tea and insecticidal soap had little or no effect last winter, now my wife is ready to haul out the heavy duty stuff (aka chemicals) and nuke the house to save her violets. Suggestions and guidance will be appreciated.

Mealy bug :
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/mealybug/mealybug.htm

Or:
POWDERY MILDEW ON VEGETABLE CROPS http://pine.usask.ca/cofa/departments/hort/hortinfo/veg/powdery.html

Maybe one of those?

Looks like mealybugs.... I guess I'll try the insecticidal soap again.

Thanks!

Your welcome.