Spittlebugs

Description:
Spittlebugs are messy pests. They hide within a glob of frothy, foamy spittle that protects spittlebug nymphs from predators. Adults do not produce spittle and will move from plant to plant.

Damage:
Different spittlebug species attack different types of plants, including trees, shrubs, ornamentals, herbs, annuals, and grasses. The damage is usually minimal, unless the pest is present in large numbers. Pine trees, especially Christmas trees, can be disfigured when severely infested. Also, spittlebugs that attack grasses can cause yellow patches and even browning of lawn areas.

Prevention:
To prevent lawn infestations dethatch regularly, eliminating cozy conditions. For everything else, prevention is not really an option. The best approach is to knock down populations as soon as they appear.

Management:
Mild Infestations: The best method of early defense, especially on ornamentals, is to spray the spittle off the bugs, exposing them to predators and the sun. The spined soldier bug (a beneficial stinkbug) is a major predator of spittlebugs.

Severe Infestations: Ornamental plants do not need to be treated chemically because spittlebugs don't cause enough damage to them. Blasting them off with a stream of water is sufficient. For spittlebugs in warm-season grasses spray with a lawn pesticide like diazinon. When large trees are heavily infested it is a good idea to contact a professional tree service rather than treat them yourself.