Spittlebugs are common garden pests, which are the nymph stage of froghoppers (family Cercopidae). They create a protective, frothy substance on plant stems and leaves that resembles spit. This foam acts as a shelter from predators, insulates against temperature fluctuations, and prevents the nymph from drying out. Controlling spittlebugs involves penetrating this protective barrier, followed by targeted removal techniques.
Identifying Spittlebugs and Plant Damage
The most evident sign of spittlebugs is the white, bubbly foam, often called “cuckoo spit,” found clinging to plant stems and leaf axils, particularly during spring and early summer. Hidden within this froth are the small nymphs, which are typically pale green, yellow, or orange. The adult froghopper is a small, wedge-shaped insect, about 1/4 inch long, that may be mottled gray or brown.
Nymphs feed by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the xylem fluid. This sap-sucking activity can lead to signs of plant stress, though severe damage is rare in established plants. Symptoms include stunted new growth, slight wilting of tender shoots, and distorted leaves. For turfgrasses, a heavy infestation can cause yellowed or brown patches.
Immediate Physical Removal Techniques
For a minor infestation, physical removal offers a non-chemical solution that targets the pest immediately. The primary goal is to break the protective foam barrier and dislodge the nymph. Using a strong, focused stream of water from a garden hose is an effective first step.
The force of the water washes away the spittle and physically knocks the vulnerable nymphs off the plant. This mechanical action is often enough to eliminate the current population. For smaller plants or localized spots, the foam and the insects underneath can be manually wiped off using a damp cloth or a gloved hand. Any removed insects can be crushed or dropped into soapy water.
Application of Targeted Insecticidal Solutions
When physical removal is not sufficient or for widespread infestations, apply targeted solutions that penetrate the foamy cover. These methods are most effective when they make direct contact with the soft-bodied nymph. Insecticidal soaps are a highly recommended organic option, working by disrupting the cell membranes of the insects, causing them to dehydrate.
Follow the specific product label for mixing commercial insecticidal soap concentrate. Thorough coverage is paramount, requiring spraying the entire plant until the solution drips, focusing especially on the undersides of leaves where nymphs hide. Since insecticidal soaps have no residual effect once they dry, repeat applications may be necessary every four to seven days until the pests are gone.
Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils, such as Neem oil, offer another contact control method. These oils primarily work by coating the insect and blocking its breathing pores, effectively suffocating it. Apply the diluted solution late in the evening or early morning. Applying oils during cooler times, or when temperatures are below 90°F, reduces the risk of phytotoxicity, which is plant damage from the spray.
Chemical Insecticides
For severe infestations, especially in non-edible plants and turf, chemical insecticides containing active ingredients like bifenthrin may be considered. These products should be reserved for cases where plant health is significantly declining. They must be applied strictly according to label instructions, especially regarding re-entry intervals for people and pets. Maximum efficacy depends on the agent reaching the nymph inside the spittle mass, which often requires the foam to be partially washed away first.
Preventing Future Spittlebug Infestations
Proactive garden maintenance significantly reduces the likelihood of future spittlebug problems. Spittlebugs lay their eggs in plant debris and leaf litter toward the end of the growing season. Clearing away this material, including trimming back weeds and tall grasses near cultivated areas, eliminates potential overwintering sites.
Regular monitoring is also beneficial, particularly during the spring when eggs hatch and the nymphs begin to appear. Catching a small infestation early allows for simple manual or water-based removal before the population becomes established. Maintaining vigorous plant health through proper fertilization and watering helps plants better withstand pest feeding pressure.