If you have ever walked through your Utah garden and noticed clumps of white bubbles that look like "soapy foam" on your plants, you’ve found a Spittlebug. These are the nymph (juvenile) stage of the Froghopper.
The "Spit"The most obvious identifier is the glob of frothy, white bubbles attached to the stems of plants. This isn't actually spit; it’s a fluid excreted by the nymph and whipped into bubbles with its legs.
The BugInside the bubbles is a small, lime-green or yellowish insect with large, bulging eyes.
The AdultAs adults (Froghoppers), they are small, brown, and wedge-shaped. They are world-class jumpers, able to leap 100 times their body length.
The Protective ShieldThe "spittle" serves three purposes: it hides the bug from predators (like birds and spiders), it insulates them from the hot Utah sun, and it keeps their soft bodies moist.
Sap SuckersLike aphids, spittlebugs have piercing mouthparts used to suck the sap out of plants. While one or two won't kill a plant, a heavy infestation can cause wilting or stunted growth.
Host PlantsIn Utah, they are frequently found on strawberries, lavender, rosemary, and various ornamental grasses.
Is the 'spit' dangerous to touch?No. It is essentially just filtered plant sap and air. It is not toxic to humans or pets, though it can be a bit messy if you’re gardening.
Will they kill my garden?In most cases, spittlebugs are a cosmetic nuisance. They rarely do enough damage to kill a healthy plant. However, they can make herbs and strawberries look unappealing to harvest.
How do I get rid of the bubbles?The easiest "PPC Utah" tip: A strong blast of water from a garden hose will wash away the bubbles and knock the nymphs to the ground, where they usually perish before they can find a new home.
