Plant-eating insects known as spittlebugs produce a frothy fluid that seems to be like spittle. Scientists have identified approximately 20,000 distinct varieties of Spittlebugs during their research.
If you want to learn how to get rid of spittlebugs, you can sprinkle a foam-like material on their bodies to hide from predators. To keep their bodies wet and tolerate a range of temperature variations, they exude this solution from their back and coat themselves with it. Spittlebugs are so good at hiding that most people only see their excrement and never see the actual bugs.
Spittlebugs feed on sap from plants, but they’re too little to do any harm. However, if there’s a significant infestation, homeowners may notice a spittle-like material all over their plants.
If spittlebugs have attacked your plants, this do-it-yourself treatment guide will teach you how to get rid of the pests for good.
To eliminate spittlebugs from your yard quickly and affordably, follow the steps outlined below and use the solutions suggested by our pest control experts.
Get Rid of Spittlebugs from Plants
Determine whether or not you’re dealing with a Spittlebug before using pesticides to get rid of them. As a result of incorrect identification of a pest, you may end up utilizing the wrong treatment items, which will cost you money and effort.
To help you recognize the Spittlebug, below are some characteristics and facts: The nymph stage of a species of insect known as the Froghopper gives rise to the microscopic pests known as Spittlebugs. Spittlebugs come in approximately 20,000 distinct varieties, as previously indicated.
Colors range from brown to black, with two different yellow stripes running down the backs of some of these nasties. They are very tiny, reaching about 1/3 of an inch when they become adults. They are froglike in appearance with two big, bugged-out eyes and the ability to leap high when observed up close.
The dead giveaway that you are witnessing a spittlebug is the spit-like secretions they release from their bodies when looking to protect themselves.
The most common garden variety is known for storing its eggs in the autumn. When the eggs begin to hatch in early spring, the larvae search for host plants to feed.
In late spring, when the Spittlebugs have matured into adults and eat on the plants surrounding them, most homeowners begin to notice their presence.
Identify a spittlebug on your property using the information and picture provided above. If you aren’t sure what pest you have, call us, and we’ll assist you in identifying it and proposing the best treatment to use to get rid of it. You may begin an examination after correctly identifying Spittlebugs. This step aims to identify the locations where Spittlebugs are most active so that you may target pesticide treatments accordingly.
How to Control Spittlebug
In addition to being aesthetically unappealing, spittlebugs do relatively little harm to plants. Some sap is extracted, but not enough to cause injury unless many of them are present. To get rid of spittlebugs from a plant, all you need is a brief burst of water from a hose-end sprayer.
A pesticide may be necessary if there are a lot of spittlebugs on a plant or shrub since they may damage or impede its development. Spittlebugs may be killed using typical insecticides. When searching for an organic spittlebug killer, bear in mind that you are seeking something that not only kills the spittlebug but also prevents future infestations.
Where to Inspect
Inspect your lawn and garden to identify where the most excellent spittlebug activity occurs before beginning any treatment. Is it common to see one or two spittlebugs in your yard? It’s essential, though, to know where Spittlebugs are concentrated to direct your application. Damage to the plant or the presence of milky fluids is common indicators.
What to Look For
Spittlebug nymphs may readily be seen in the frothy foam that has been left behind. It’s more difficult to find adult spittlebugs because they move and leap quickly. Spittlebugs can leap up to 70 centimeters vertically. Therefore, they choose to hop between plants rather than crawl.
A professional product must be used if you’ve determined that Spittle Bugs are infesting your lawn or garden plants. Before using any chemicals, ensure you have the proper safety gear on (gloves, long-sleeved clothing, protective eyewear, and mask).
Spittlebugs can be eradicated with a broad-spectrum treatment such as Reclaim IT Insecticide. Spittle Bugs on your lawn, ornamentals, gardens, and tiny landscaping shrubs will be repelled and killed with Reclaim IT.
Reclaim IT has been approved for use for approximately 70 different pests, including Spittlebugs. Its long-lasting effects may keep pests at bay for up to 90 days after treatment.
Calculate how much IT Reclaim you’ll need by measuring the size of your grass—a gallon of water and 25 to. Five oz. of Reclaim IT will cover 1,000 square feet.
You may apply to Reclaim IT to your whole yard and garden using a fan spray for a consistent application. A hose-end sprayer may be more convenient if you have a big yard. A minimum of ten liters of water should be used to ensure an equal solution application.
From the rear to the front, saturate the whole grass with the solution. Also, spray ornamentals, but just in places that aren’t edible. Spray the undersides of leaves, where Spittlebugs can hide out of sight, to keep them at bay. Spraying fruit trees should be avoided. Spittlebugs should not return to your yard once they have been eliminated.
You may take the following steps to prevent this:
Steps to Away Spittlebugs from Plants
The first step in avoiding a Spittlebug infestation is to keep your lawn clean by clearing away leaves and other yard waste. It is common for spittlebugs to deposit their eggs in decaying plant matter.
Remove any decomposing organic matter from the garden. Spittlebugs can’t deposit their eggs in this environment; therefore, they get rid of them.
You should also avoid overwatering your plants to keep Spittlebugs at bay. Thatch will build up over time if your soil is overwatered. This may also happen if you don’t have a sound drainage system in your garden.
Preventing Spittlebugs from returning to your yard and garden is possible with Reclaim IT. Spraying Reclaim IT every quarter will keep Spittlebugs and other pests at bay for the duration of the season because of its long-lasting residual impact.
FAQ:
How do you get rid of spittlebugs naturally?
Try to get rid of spittlebugs in your yard without using insecticides by using predatory insects like praying mantises. Repel insects naturally using neem oil spray or citrus oil, both plant-based oils.
What product kills spittlebugs?
Spittlebugs may be controlled using a variety of insecticides, including pyrethroid, carbaryl, and cyfluthrin. When all other options have been exhausted, resorting to chemical controls should be the final option. Check the label before applying pesticides for the manufacturer’s suggested use.
Does soapy water kill spittlebugs?
To get rid of many pest insects from home plants and ornamentals (and even fruit trees), you may use soap. Applied immediately to and completely covering the insect, sprays are most effective.
What do spittlebugs turn into?
Spittlebugs suck sap from plants and then expel frothy foam as a defensive castle to keep predators at bay. They mature into adult froghoppers at some point in the future.
External Links References:
- Froghopper
- BBC: “Garden insect is jump champion”
- List of all Cercopoidea species from the COOL database by A Soulier-Perkins in the 2008 Catalogue of Life