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UC IPM Home > Homes, Gardens, Landscapes, and Turf > Vegetables > Invertebrates

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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Spittlebugs

Adult spittlebugs are inconspicuous, often greenish or brownish insects, about 0.25 inch long. Immature spittlebugs are recognized by the frothy white mass that nymphs surround themselves with on plant tissue where they feed.

Identification of species | Life cycle

Damage

Spittlebugs suck plant juices. Heavy infestations distort plant tissue and slow plant growth.

Solutions

Spittlebugs can be tolerated; they do not usually cause significant damage. Handpick or wash off with water.

Adult spittlebug
Adult spittlebug

Frothy material hides immature spittlebugs
Frothy material hides immature spittlebugs

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/PESTS/spittlebugs.html revised: January 17, 2008. Contact webmaster.