Spittle mass indicates presence of damaging spittlebugs

This past week while examining some turf I noticed some spittlebugs in the turf sample. Spittlebugs are usually noticed because of the spittle mass they produce.

The two-lined spittlebug is an oval-shaped insect that is black to brown. It has two reddish orange strips across its wings and is about a quarter-inch long. The nymphs resemble wingless adults but are ivory with a brown head.

Both adults and nymphs feed on stem juices using their piercing mouth parts. They inject a toxin into a plant causing grass to yellow, wither and die if it goes untreated. The damage is similar to chinch bug damage but is more widespread because the spittlebugs are more mobile. Spittlebugs prefer centipede but will feed on other warm-season grasses. They also feed on woody ornamentals, especially hollies, asters and morning glories.

Spittlebugs overwinter as eggs in the plant stem, under leaf sheaths or in plant debris. In March or April, the first generation of nymphs hatches and begins feeding. The second generation matures in August and September. The spittle you see protects the nymphs from natural enemies and from drying out. There can be one or more nymphs living in a spittle mass. Adults live for about three weeks and start laying eggs at two weeks of age. The eggs are orange and can take two weeks to hatch in the summer. Nymphs feed for about a month before they become adults.

Nymphs are easiest to detect because of the spittle mass. The spittle mass can be found on the grass stem near the soil surface. Adults fly and can be flushed from the grass. Since nymphs need high humidity to survive, remove thatch buildup. Thatch buildup increases these conditions. Over-watering can also produce favorable conditions for nymphs.

There are various insecticides available for use on spittlebugs in turf and ornamental plants. You will want to time your spraying during heavy infestations. Before spraying the insecticide, cut grass to recommended height, remove clippings and water the grass. You will want to do this several hours before applying the insecticide. Apply the treatment late in the day. Of course, follow all labeling instruction on the insecticide. For more information call your local county extension office.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Spittle mass indicates presence of damaging spittlebugs."