Opuntia infested with Cochineal insect

[gizzmo]

Please help.
My large plant (over 10 feet tall) has this bug everywhere. Just a year ago it did not have any of this. I have tried Neem oil but that does not seem to work. I have not tried the water spray due to the location of the plant. I have to wait till the cars in the parking area are gone before i can do that, so I am waiting for that opportunity.
I will try attaching photo- I can not get real close to it due to my handicap but hopefully this will help.

Kathy in Phoenix

[Steve Johnson]

See this and go to the section on Cochineal insect:

https://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/#mealybugs

Unfortunately I can't recommend systemic soil soaks for cacti growing in the ground, so IMO the only thing you can do is take a garden hose with a sprayer attachment and blast the Cochineal off with water. Given the size of your Opuntia, I'd say that it'll be pretty much impossible to have it die from Cochineal infestations.

[gizzmo]

Steve, It is reassuring that this little bug will not kill my cactus. It started as bird droppings when I moved into my home 35 years ago so I am rather attached to it. Thinking of getting it trimmed a little. The picture of me standing next to it was 2018 and it towers above me now and is hanging over my patio wall.
I will do the water when my neighbors move there cars-I am hoping soon.
Thank you so much for your imput-