Spittle Bug Frass on Strawberry
Spittlebugs are known for the frothy spittle mass they produce while feeding on plants. Spittlebug nymphs pierce the plant stems and suck plant juices.
They feed on a variety of plants like ornamental grasses, roses, chrysanthemums, clover, strawberries, herbs and many other garden plants.
In most cases, especially on annuals and perennials, spittlebug feeding is not damaging to plants. If too many spittlebugs are present, feeding can cause leaves to lose their shape.
It is easy to identify spittlebugs by the “spittle masses” up to ¾” in length on your plants. They have soft, elongated bodies up to ¼ inch long.
Managing spittlebugs is unnecessary. They are found in very small numbers. They are seen on the plants for a very short time. They cause very little damage. To get rid of spittlebugs remove weeds near your gardens to remove one of their food sources. Physically remove them by hand or spray them with a strong blast of water to dislodge nymphs from the plants.
Pesticides are not effective against spittlebugs as the nymphs are protected inside their spittle masses from any pesticide sprays.