Aphids

One of our hibiscus got an infestation of aphids.  A lot of plants might have them will all of the temperature and humidity swings, and enough rain in August to kill the drought only for a couple counties to slip back into the drought.  All of those extremes can stress plants and open them up to pests.  Those of you with milk weeds are probably seeing lots of yellow guys on your plants right now.

Unfortunately, I started treating it before I took pictures. 
Aphids usually attack the growth tips where the plant puts most of it's sugars and is most easily punctured.  On the buds (and thumb) above, they are the white and brown specs.  Like other soft bodied pests (spider mites, etc), they are actually pretty easy to git rid of.   You just have to torture your plants!  The best treatment for aphids is....

Seriously, spray the dickens out of your plants.  If leaves aren't tearing or getting bruised, you're doing it wrong.
Hose off the entire plant, focus on the tips, but spray the whole thing.  Top to bottom. 
Spray it until it looks like...

It may take a couple treatments, but it will work but with no pesticides!  If the infestation is really bad, and on multiple plants, following up the spraying with Neem Oil, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soap is advised.  Doing so will kill off these guys..

Those long, dark triangles are actually baby Lady Beetles, or Aphid Lions!

That white speck is the egg sack of the Lady Beetle.

Simply using the high pressure spray won't hurt the Aphid Lions.  The will get knocked off, but climb back up and morph into Lady Beetles!  Where as any of the insecticides will kill them too. 

--- Alex