Spittlebug

In spring, look for small masses of sticky, frothy bubbles on plant stems throughout Western Washington 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.