What's Bugging You? Spittlebugs

SPITTLEBUGS

COMMON NAMES: Spittlebugs, Froghoppers

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cercopidae

DESCRIPTION: ADULTS - Small (less than 12mm) insects looking rather like froggy versions of their cousins, the treehoppers and leafhoppers. They are usually green or brown and may have stripes or bands on the wings. NYMPHS - Smaller, wingless versions of the adults, they surround themselves with frothy white masses as protection from predators and climate. EGGS - Laid in grasses and weeds, between the leaves and stems.

LIFECYCLE: Nymphs hatch in the spring, form sticky clumps of "spittle" and feed and grow into adults on the host plants. Eggs are laid in weeds or tall grass, overwintering is done in the egg stage.

HOSTPLANTS: Evergreens (pines, junipers, etc.), Corn, small fruits and various garden veggies. Grasses and weeds are common breeding grounds.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Small frog-like hopping adults or spittle masses (nymphs).

PROBLEMS AND DAMAGE: The nymphs feed by sucking the plants juices and this can cause yellowing, wilting and general decrease in plant vigor. For most plants this is not considered a real health problem but more of an aesthetic one. Folks just don't like to see this yucky spittle all over their plants. More severe damage has been reported by growers of clover and chrysanthemums.

CULTURAL CONTROLS: Keep your plants healthy, well fed and watered and as free of stress as possible. This will help them overcome most damage. Keep grass mowed short and clean up any weedy areas.

COMPANION PLANTINGANDREPELLENTS: Unknown. Try onions/pepper/garlic plantings or sprays and let me know if it helps.

MECHANICAL CONTROLS: Use forceful water sprays to dislodge the nymphal mass. Supposedly it cannot survive once on the ground. Soapy water should work, too.

NATURAL CONTROLS: Birds and reptiles will dine on visible adults and nymphs not protected by the spittle mass.

BIOLOGICAL INSECTICIDES: Insecticidal Soaps, Pyrethrum and Rotenone.

CHEMICAL CONTROLS: Call the Cooperative Extension Office for current recommendations. Use carefully. Protect yourself and others. Follow label directions EXACTLY.

 

Author: 
T.J. Martin
Issue: 
January, 1992