Spittlebugs: Foaming Masses Found

Over the past few weeks I have had several calls inquiring about spittle masses on Leyland cypress. Please don't confuse spittlebugs with bagworms which should be controlled this time of year.

Spittlebugs are found on Leyland, other evergreens, and other plants. The foamy spittle is produced by honey dew that has a little air added as it is excreted. This gives the nymphal insect almost an aquatic environment in which to develop. The present nymphs should become adults in July and leave the spittle. There is typically one generation per year.

For most plants in the landscape, spittle masses are a cosmetic problem. Unless they are overcoming the plant, strong water stream from a hose can dislodge them and disrupt them.

`The two-lined spittlebug is an increasingly important pest on St. Augustine grass and hollies. These two plants typically need chemical control.

Adult two-lined spittlebugs resemble robust, black leafhoppers with tow red stripes across the back. Adults are about 1/3 inch long. The eyes and abdomen are bright red. Nymphs resemble the adults, but are smaller and lack wings. Nymphs are yellow, white or orange, but have red eyes and brown heads. The most unusual characteristic of this stage is the spittlemass. The white, frothy spittlemass envelopes the nymph and provides protection from desiccation and predators.

Eggs overwinter in grass stems, behind the leaf sheath, in plant debris and other protected areas. The nymphs hatch in the spring and begin feeding. They usually feed on lower parts of the grass plants. The nymphs feed for about one month before they become adults.

Past literature stated that two-lined spittlebug nymphs are rarely a problem on well-managed turf. However, in eastern North Carolina, the two-lined spittlebug is a greater pest than previously thought. Spittlebug nymphs are particularly damaging because as they feed by sucking plant juices from the turfgrass, they must remove enough fluids to form the protective spittlemass. As a result, the total amount of feeding for such small insects is considerable.

The needlelike mouthparts do little damage, but the fluid removal leads to weakened, stressed grass that may turn yellow and then brown. Severe infestations can even kill the turfgrass.

On shrubs in late summer and early fall, adult two-lined spittlebugs fly to hollies (and other plants) to feed. Their feeding causes holly leaves to become splotchy and yellow and to drop prematurely.

Spittlebug nymphs can best be controlled in the turfgrass. A conscious effort should be made to implement such practices prior to the first signs of severe damage. The only accurate way to assess the need to treat is to search through the turf down near the soil line and actually find the spittlebugs. This requires some time and effort. The turfgrass must be examined closely by parting the grass and looking for the spittlemasses that surround the nymphs. After control is obtained, the area should be periodically rechecked. Reinfestation can occur quickly. The best time to check for nymphs and to apply pesticides to turfgrasses is late in the day because the nymphs are higher on the plants than during the hot midday.

Numerous insecticides are labeled to control spittlebugs on turf and if properly applied, most perform well. Good coverage is essential. Granular formulations are not as effective as spray formulations. Be sure to read and follow all label directions.

For more information or answers to your gardening questions call the Master Gardeners 237-0113 from 1-3 PM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You may also email them at wilsonmastergardener@hotmail.com.

Date Created: 6/28/2004.