SPITTLE BUG CONTROL

    This article is about SPITTLEBUG control.
It will explain why they are a pest and what
needs to be done for controlling infestations.
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   Spittlebugs are a small moth like creature which 
have become a significant pest in recent years. They
feed on the "juice" or nectar of grass thus extracting
the very fluid which is the lifes blood of your lawn.
If left to feed as they please, spittlebugs will
first dry out and then systematically kill your turf.
This article will explain why and how their feeding
is destructive. Treatment options will be explained 
along with the best products to use and application
equipment needed.
   Spittlebugs are closely related to aphids. Like
aphids, spittlebugs rely on the nectar or sap of
plant life for food. The two-lined spittlebug is
the most common species though several exist in the
United States. They are dark brown to black with
two distinctive lines across their backs. These lines
are orange to red. Other species include the Meadow
spittlebug, the Dogwood spittlebug, the Saratoga
spittlebug and the Diamondback spittlebug. Though
spittlebugs look like a moth, they are really a
close relative of the aphid or cicada. They are 
small, about 1/3 of an inch fully mature, and
local infestations will easily reach hundreds to
thousands if left untreated. Spittlebugs feed by
extracting plant sap. A little bug shouldn't be
able to adversely affect a large plant and if
spittlebugs were efficient feeders, this article
probably wouldn't be written. However, spittlebugs
are extremely wasteful when they eat and this
waste is what makes them such a damaging pest.
   Spittlebugs lay eggs which will overwinter in
harsh environments waiting patiently for spring.
When the temperatures warm, eggs will hatch and
the young will begin to feed. It takes 1-2 months
for nymphs to mature and during the summer, adults
will lay eggs every 2-4 weeks. In damp, humid
conditions, populations will soar if left untreated.
However, it is not easy to see spittlebug damage
when it is wet and moist. It is during this time
that they can lay hidden in the wet, healthy
grass and remain unseen. But as soon as conditions
dry and the local grass is put to the "health"
test, spittlebug damage will show it's impact.
Turf which has provided spittlebugs safe harborage
will deteriorate rapidly when stressed. This is
due to how spittlebugs feed. As mentioned before,
spittlebugs feed on the sap of grass and other 
plants. If they only ate what they need most 
plants would barely notice any impact from local
populations. However, spittlebugs feed in a rather
unique way. Nymphs will huddle up close to one
another and using their piercing mouthparts, puncture
the plant stem on which they are feeding. Plant
sap is then pumped out and through their bodies
at an alarming rate. This pumping action extracts
a lot of sap which then accumulates around the 
group of spittlebugs as they feed. Since the sap is
thick and gooey, it clings to the spittlebugs and
forms a type of sap or "spittlemass" in which the
nymphs thrive. This moist, sap membrane is both
a food supply and a place of safe harborage for
the nymphs. Predatory birds are more likely to
overlook nymphs encased in the spittle; the mass
provides a damp environment for the young vulnerable
bugs so they can easily endure even the hottest of
days. However, the grass cannot.
   If left untreated, the impact of this feeding
will result in dead turf. Though you may only
see a few as you walk through your grass, it is
very likely a lot more "activity" is happening
down in the grass stems. It is here where the 
eggs will rest and nymphs will thrive. A closer
look will usually reveal the spittlemasses where
spittlebug populations are most concentrated and
if left untreated, the adults will forage to
neighboring plants and shrubs. Hollies, azaleas,
boxwoods and other low lying ground cover will
become targets. The two striped spittlebug may
be small in size but their numbers will cause
a lot of damage so don't ignore their presence.


     ONCE YOU HAVE THEM WHAT SHOULD YOU DO??
	 
   Fortunately, spittlebug management is easy to
do. Since they are nesting right there in the grass,
they are easy targets. A good combination of liquid
and granular material will knock them down and
keep them down. In most situations, two applications
will be needed to get local populations under control.
For light infestations, liquid alone will probably
do the trick and the best material to us is BIFEN. 
This active works great on spittlebugs and their
nymphs. Use some SPREADER STICKER to insure you
get uniform coverage of the plant. This is particularly
important with spittlebugs since the young will
be hiding down in the nap of the turf. We have a
lot of SPRAYERS that can be used for the job with
one of the Hose End styles being efficient to use
since a lot of water is needed to get good coverage.
Any of our Pump Sprayers will do the job too but
if you have a lot of turf to treat, a larger capacity
tank or spray system will make the job more manageable.
   For severe infestations, it would be wise to put
out some DELTAGUARD GRANULES first and then spray
over the top with the Bifen. The granules will
insure the spittlebugs don't avoid the treatment
by migrating down into the turf. Since they tend
to do this during hot spells, granules may be
needed to reach them anyway if they are already
nesting down in the topsoil. Apply them with a 
good GRANULE SPREADER and you will be setting out
a one-two punch that will quickly knock down
any unwanted population. Followup in 2-4 weeks
with another liquid application and apply the
granules at least twice to insure they don't
return.

   Spittlebugs are a significant threat to most
any type of grass. Once established in your grass,
they will forage to neighboring plants. Populations
will grow and by the time the damage is noticeable,
it will be a lot more extensive then immediately
visible. To avoid this scenario, be sure and treat
when they are first found. If you address the problem
early enough, liquid treatments with the Bifen
will knock them out. Once established and embedded,
apply some of the Deltaguard Granules first and
then spray over the top. Treat at least twice and
monitor your grass the rest of the growing season
to make sure they don't return.
   
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