Spittlebug
Cercopidae
6 host plants
Last updated
In spring, look for small masses of sticky, frothy bubbles on plant stems in gardens; these white foam blobs are produced by immature spittlebugs. The foamy mass is a combination of insect urine and air mixed with a sticky chemical. Inside each foam mass live one or more pale green, orange, or yellow stout nymphs.
Damage is usually minimal when populations are low, causing slight wilting or stunting. The frothy spit is the primary nuisance rather than actual damage. Occasionally in larger numbers, feeding can stunt growth. Remove foam manually or with water spray; most plants tolerate without chemicals.
Quick Reference
Adult spittlebugs are wedge-shaped, grayish brown insects about 3 mm in length, and similar in appearance to leafhoppers but are larger and stockier. They jump and fly readily. The young spittlebug nymphs are white to lemon yellow in color and look like fat aphids. They encase themselves in a frothy spittle. Nymph feeding causes twisting of leaves and thickening and shortening of stems of fruit spurs. When this occurs, the yield is likely to be reduced. Nymphs develop in masses of spittle on...
Cultural Controls
- -cultural control On June-bearing cultivars, cut all the old leaves off the plants after final harvest to renew the foliage and remove egg masses.
- Home gardeners: Nymphs are easy to remove by hand-picking.
- Also, a strong spray of water will knock them off the plant, preventing more damage.
- Management-