Key Features
- Spittle on stems
- Small green wingless insects in spittle
Symptoms
Small masses of white foam are present on stems of flowers or twigs plants. A few spittle bugs can be found inside the foam. Damage is usually only cosmetic and not a threat to plant health.
Biology
Spittle bugs lay eggs on the stems of a wide variety of plants in late spring (May). Eggs hatch into an immature stage that sucks plant sap and buries itself out of view in a foam of excrement. Several species of spittlebugs are capable of causing this problem. Most species usually do not cause enough injury to be of concern to homeowners.
Management Recommendations
Most infestations can be managed by knocking off the insects with a strong spray of water from a garden hose. Many insecticides are labeled to control this pest, but are rarely needed.
Effective Pesticides
Active Ingredients include: Bifenthrin, Chlorantraniliprole, Fluvalinate, Horticultural oil (Paraffinic or superior oil) , Insecticidal soap (Potassium salt of fatty acid), Pyrethrin
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
