Spittlebugs Can Wreak Havoc on Your Lawn! Here’s How to Fight Back
Spittlebugs can be a major problem for your lawn, causing damage that can leave your turfgrass looking unhealthy and unattractive.
These pests are known for their frothy spittle masses, which can make your lawn squishy and unsightly. Understanding how to identify, manage, and control spittlebugs is essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spittlebugs, including their biology, the damage they cause, and the best methods for controlling them.
Aspect | Details |
Identification | – Adult: Black leafhoppers with two red stripes, wings in an inverted “V”, bright red eyes and abdomen. |
Biology | – Eggs overwinter in grass stems and debris. |
Damage to Turfgrass | – Nymphs suck plant juices, causing grass to turn yellow/brown. |
Chemical Control | – Examine turf closely for spittlemasses. |
Cultural Management | – Dethatch and topdress to reduce thatch buildup. |
Identification
Identifying spittlebugs is the first step in controlling them. Spittlebugs have distinct characteristics that make them relatively easy to spot.
Adult Spittlebugs:
- Resemble robust, black leafhoppers with two red stripes across their backs.
- Hold their wings roof-like over their backs in an inverted “V” shape.
- Measure about 1/3 inch long with bright red eyes and a bright red abdomen visible during flight.
Nymph Spittlebugs:
- Smaller than adults and lack wings.
- Appear yellow, white, or orange with red eyes and brown heads.
- Encased in a white, frothy spittlemass for protection.
Additional Characteristics:
- Adults are dark brown to black, wedge-shaped with red eyes and legs.
- Two distinct red or orange lines across the wings and a narrow band across the thorax.
- Most active at night and may be attracted to lights.
Biology
Understanding the biology of spittlebugs is crucial for effective control. Spittlebugs go through several life stages, each of which can impact your lawn. For effective lawn care and maintenance, knowing the lifecycle of these pests is crucial.
Egg Overwintering:
- Eggs overwinter in grass stems, behind leaf sheaths, and in plant debris.
Nymph Development:
- Nymphs hatch in the spring (March and April) and feed on the lower parts of grass where humidity is high.
- They feed for about one month before becoming adults.
- The life cycle is completed in approximately two months, with eggs hatching in two weeks during the summer.
- Adults lay eggs one to two weeks after reaching maturity.
Generations:
- At least two generations per year in North Carolina.
- The first generation appears in March and April, with peak adult activity in August and September.
Damage to Turfgrass and Plants
Spittlebugs can cause significant damage to your lawn, impacting both its health and appearance. If your lawn is suffering, our lawn treatment services can help.
Feeding Damage:
- Nymphs feed by sucking plant juices, requiring substantial fluid intake to form the protective spittlemass.
- This fluid removal weakens and stresses the grass, causing it to turn yellow and brown.
- Severe infestations can kill the turfgrass.
Spittlemass Nuisance:
- Spittlemasses can create an unsightly appearance and, in heavy infestations, can make the lawn squishy.
Additional Damage:
- Adult feeding on grasses causes chlorotic spotting of the blades.
- Nymphs prefer centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, causing heavy feeding damage.
Chemical Control
Chemical control is often necessary to manage severe spittlebug infestations effectively. If you’re looking for expert assistance, our lawn care services can provide the help you need.
Assessment:
- Examine the turf closely by parting the grass and looking for spittlemasses near the soil line.
- Periodic rechecks are necessary as reinfestation can occur quickly.
Application Timing:
- The best time to check for nymphs and apply pesticides is late in the day when nymphs are higher on the plants.
- Numerous insecticides are effective if properly applied; good coverage is essential.
- Spray formulations are more effective than granular ones.
- Follow all label directions for the best results.
Recommended Insecticides
For effective control, you can visit Lowe’s or Home Depot and purchase an all-purpose insecticide labeled for spittlebugs. The bottle will indicate how much square footage of turf it will treat. Measure your turf to determine the amount of product you need. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully.
Here are some of the most effective insecticides for controlling spittlebugs:
- Acephate (Orthene, T, T&O) 75 S: 1 oz
- Bifenthrin (Menace, Talstar, others) F, GC: 0.25 to 0.5 fl oz (Use GC formulation for golf courses)
- Carbaryl (Sevin) 80 WSP: 0.75 to 1.5 oz
- Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) 4 E, 50 WSP, Pro: See label (For use on golf courses; check the new label)
- Deltamethrin (Deltagard) G: 2 to 3 lb
Cultural Management
In addition to chemical control, cultural management practices can help reduce spittlebug populations and damage. For ongoing support, check out our lawn and landscape maintenance services.
Thatch Reduction:
- Dethatching and topdressing to reduce thatch buildup, which spittlebugs thrive in.
Mowing and Irrigation:
- Mow and irrigate several hours before applying insecticide to enhance control.
Monitoring:
- Closely monitor susceptible turfgrass, especially in July.
Conclusion
Spittlebugs can be a serious threat to your lawn, but with proper identification, understanding of their biology, and a combination of chemical and cultural management practices, you can effectively control them. Keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful is our priority. If you’re struggling with spittlebugs or any other lawn pests, don’t hesitate to contact us or fill out our estimate request form. We’re here to help you maintain a lush, vibrant lawn year-round.
For more information on our comprehensive lawn care services, including lawn mowing, fertilization, and weed control, visit our lawn treatment page. Our lawn and landscape maintenance programs are designed to keep your property looking its best throughout the year.
Check out our full range of lawn care services to see how we can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams.