Spittlebugs can be found in lawns, mostly Centipede and sometimes Zoysia. They are also found in shrubs. Spittlebugs are most noticeable in the spring when nymphs are feeding; adults can be seen throughout the summer. Adults are small, winged insects that hop or fly away quickly when disturbed. They feed on plant sap and lay their eggs inside stems or between leaf blades and stems. Nymphs surround themselves with a frothy, white mass that looks like spit, which protects them from the sun and preying insects. The insect excretes drops of undigested sap mixed with air. Its tail moves up and down forcing out bubbles of sap. Spittlebugs are controlled with contact and systemic insecticides.
