Spittlebug Damage in Warm-Season Lawns: Complete Guide
Spittlebugs create distinctive frothy masses in Florida lawns while their feeding causes purple-striped damage. This common pest is easily controlled once properly identified.
What Spittlebug Damage Looks Like
Spittlebug damage in Florida lawns creates a distinctive pattern: irregular patches of grass with purple to brown discoloration, often with a striped or streaked appearance where adult insects have been feeding. The most obvious sign of Spittlebug presence is the white, frothy 'spittle' masses found at the base of grass plants - these look like small blobs of spit or foam scattered throughout the lawn.
The Two-Lined Spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) is the primary species affecting Florida lawns. Nymphs produce the characteristic spittle masses as they feed, creating a protective covering that shields them from predators and desiccation. Part the grass at the soil level and you'll find these foam masses, each containing one or more greenish nymphs. A heavily infested lawn may have hundreds of spittle masses visible when you look closely.
Adult Spittlebugs are small (about 1/4 inch), black insects with two orange-red stripes across their wings - hence the name 'Two-Lined.' They hop when disturbed, similar to leafhoppers. Adults feed on grass blades, injecting a toxic saliva that causes the distinctive purple discoloration and eventual browning. You may see them jumping away as you walk through infested areas.
Spittlebug damage typically appears from June through September in Florida, corresponding with the insect's active season. The damage is most common in centipedegrass lawns but also affects St. Augustine, zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass. While Spittlebug infestations can look alarming, they rarely kill healthy grass and are relatively easy to control compared to other lawn pests.
Warm-Season Grasses Affected
When It Strikes in the South
Two-Lined Spittlebugs are active in Florida from June through September, with two generations typically occurring per year. The first generation appears in June-July, and the second (often more damaging) generation in August-September. Nymphs develop in 1-2 months, and adults live 2-3 weeks. Heavy rainfall and high humidity favor population buildup.
How to Confirm Spittlebug Damage
- 1Look for white, frothy spittle masses at the base of grass plants near the soil line
- 2Part the grass and examine the spittle - you should find small greenish nymphs inside
- 3Look for small (1/4 inch) black insects with two orange-red stripes hopping through the grass
- 4Check for purple or brown streaked/striped discoloration on grass blades
- 5Note if damage and spittle masses are most abundant in shaded or humid areas
Treatment Steps for Spittlebug Damage
- 1
Apply an insecticide containing bifenthrin, carbaryl, or cyfluthrin when spittle masses and nymphs are abundant
- 2
Water the lawn before treatment to wash away some of the protective spittle and improve insecticide contact
- 3
Treat in early morning or late evening when adults are less active and more exposed
- 4
Ensure thorough coverage at the soil/thatch level where nymphs feed
- 5
Make a follow-up application 2-3 weeks later to catch newly emerged adults
- 6
Reduce thatch buildup which provides habitat for Spittlebug nymphs
Recommended Products
Sevin Insect Killer Granules (Carbaryl)
Broad-spectrum granular insecticide effective against Spittlebugs and many other lawn pests
View on Amazon →BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer
Bifenthrin-based insecticide providing quick knockdown and residual control of Spittlebugs
View on Amazon →Cyonara Lawn & Garden Insecticide
Cyfluthrin concentrate for professional-grade Spittlebug control
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Prevention Tips
- ✓Reduce thatch buildup through dethatching or core aeration
- ✓Avoid overwatering and improve drainage in shaded areas
- ✓Maintain healthy, vigorous turf that can tolerate some feeding damage
- ✓Monitor for spittle masses beginning in June and treat early before populations build
- ✓Encourage natural predators like birds that feed on Spittlebugs
- ✓Prune overhanging vegetation to reduce humidity at grass level
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the white foam or 'spit' in my lawn?▼
The white frothy masses are produced by Spittlebug nymphs. The nymphs create this protective covering by mixing air with a secretion from their abdomen. The spittle protects them from predators and keeps them moist while they feed on grass stems. Each spittle mass contains one or more developing nymphs.
Will Spittlebugs kill my lawn?▼
Spittlebugs rarely kill healthy, well-maintained lawns. The damage is mostly cosmetic - purple discoloration and some thinning. However, heavy infestations in stressed lawns can cause significant decline. Centipedegrass is most susceptible to serious damage. With treatment and proper lawn care, most grass recovers fully within a few weeks.
Why do I have more Spittlebugs in shaded areas?▼
Spittlebug nymphs require moist conditions to survive, and shaded areas stay more humid than sunny spots. The shade also tends to have more thatch accumulation, which provides ideal habitat. Improving drainage and air circulation in shaded areas can reduce Spittlebug populations.
How do I tell Spittlebug damage from chinch bug damage?▼
Location is a key difference - Spittlebugs prefer moist, shaded areas while chinch bugs prefer hot, sunny spots. Spittlebug damage creates purple/brown streaks, while chinch bugs create expanding yellow-to-brown patches. The definitive difference is the presence of spittle masses (Spittlebugs) or small black/white insects (chinch bugs) when you examine the affected grass.
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