As if there aren’t enough bugs, diseases, and other problems to worry about when it comes to taking care of your lawn, but you have to remember to watch out for spittlebugs, too! What is a spittlebug you ask? A spittlebug starts
out as a small nymph bug that is about 3mm long and cocoon themselves in their own spittle to protect themselves from the sun and other predators. The typically choose to cocoon themselves in the juncture or intersection where the stem and leaves or shoots branch off. They grow tougher and larger and begin to feast on plants if not taken care of.
If you notice some white, bubbly, or spittle looking globs on your plants or your grass, you most likely have spittlebugs. You can easily knock these little bugs off your plants with a spray of water from the hose or even picking them off with your hands. Some people decide to squish them in between their fingers. While the nymphs are not too dangerous or worrisome, the adults are something to worry about.
Adult spittlebugs are kind of shield shaped with a raised center line down their back. The type that eat non-woody plants and turfgrasses typically have two red lines across their backs as well, aptly named the two-line spittlebug. If you are having problems with spittlebugs infesting your trees or woody plants, it is most likely another type of spittlebug.
Adult spittlebugs make a meal of your plants by using their pincher or needle like mouthparts to suck the fluid out of plants. This causes the plants to wilt, turn purple or brown, and eventually die back from plants and grasses that are infested, especially repeatedly.
Be on the lookout throughout the warm months, especially if your area is getting moisture. The dry, drought like months can prevent many spittlebugs from emerging, but you should still be on the lookout. There are more than one generation of spittlebugs that present themselves each summer/fall. The second generation is typically bigger and tougher as well.
Check out the proper control methods if you are noticing a large amount of spittlebugs in your lawn or garden area. There are simple insecticides that can help you with controlling them, but the best thing to do is to deal with the nymphs you find by spraying them out of their spots or killing them by pinching them or other means. If you have questions, talk with a specialist!
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Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas
770.619.2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
