One of the more unique insects we have in Georgia are spittlebugs. There is a really good chance that you have seen spittlebugs, but you have most certainly seen the frothy mass that covers the nymphs (juvenile insects) called spittle. These insects are commonly found in grasses, but they also feed on different types of shrubs and other plants. Spittlebug adults are roughly 3/8 inches long and are dark brown or black with two orange stripes going across their wings. Females will lay eggs that will hatch roughly two weeks later. At this point, the nymphs will immediately begin sucking juices from grass and cover themselves in the spittle. This typically takes place fairly close to the soil surface. The first generation each year of spittlebugs can be seen in early spring and the second generation appearing in during the summer months.
In most cases, these insects are most common in lawns that have very heavy thatch. Thatch buildup occurs when organic debris is produced faster than it can be broken down. A major contributor to thatch build up is grass clippings. Centipede grass tends to create a great environment for spittlebugs, but zoysia, bermudagrass and bahiagrass are susceptible as well. Additionally, the second generation tends to cause more injury to turfgrasses and other plants especially during a year with higher levels of rainfall. Therefore, the best method of managing spittlebugs is to prevent a heavy thatch layer from accumulating.
If you take away the perfect environment for the insects to thrive then they will be less likely to stay and breed. There are insecticides that provide good management of spittlebugs such as a pyrethroid-based product. If an insecticide is utilized then be sure to understand and follow the label. It is extremely interesting to see these spittlebugs especially during the juvenile stage, but if you have any questions on management strategies feel free to contact the Baldwin County Extension office by calling (478) 445-4394 or email Brennan Jackson at brennan4@uga.edu .