Don’t panic if you see what looks like white foam clinging to the blades of grass on your lawn. While it may be an overspray of soapy water when a neighbor washes their car, the more likely culprit is a much smaller and more innocent critter: the spittlebug. They are not one The most common garden pestsBut one of the more than 30 spittlebug species in North America is the most likely cause of small patches of white, frothy foam on your lawn. The “spittle” you see is produced by feeding nymphs as they eat sap or plant sap.
You will most likely see this object in the spring, when the eggs hatch and the nymphs begin to feed. The bubble mixture helps protect the nymph until it reaches adulthood, at which point it stops producing material. It serves a few functions for young bugs: prevents them from drying out and hides them from predators. It also protects the bugs from insecticidal sprays, so trying to get rid of them isn’t much use — and it’s not much needed.
Spittlebugs are a likely cause of white, bubbly foam on your lawn
Fortunately, it is rare for spittlebugs to cause significant damage to ornamental plants. If your goal is Maintain a healthy lawn without pesticides or herbicidesFear not, as spittlebugs are usually not a big problem. Action is often not necessary unless you notice plant health problems, which can sometimes occur when populations are high enough. In general, however, they are more of an aesthetic concern. You might want to get rid of it because the spit looks a little gross. Physical resolution is ideal. You can wash the spit and small bugs with a hose, or clean the spit and pick the bugs by hand.
There is one exception that may cause you to take action. If you live on the eastern side of the United States, two-lined spittlebugs are a species that often feed on and can cause damage to turfgrass. As their name suggests, you can recognize them by the two bright orange or red lines that cross their otherwise dark backs. They can damage warm-season grass species, especially centipedegrass. Lawn damage can look like yellowing, weak turf and the presence of dead patches. If you cannot control the problem by physical means, including detaching the part Spring lawn care For chronic spittlebug recurrences, then it may be time to contact your county extension office for pesticide recommendations.
