Spittlebug Control in Turf

Two-lined spittlebug nymphs and adults feed on warm-season turf and can weaken centipedegrass, bermudagrass, and other grasses. Nymphs hide inside frothy spittle near the soil surface.

How to Recognize Spittlebugs

Look for purple-red or yellow streaking, wilted patches, and white foam masses in the lower canopy. Adults are dark with two orange or red lines across the wings and often jump when disturbed.

Why Damage Develops

Heavy thatch, high humidity, frequent irrigation, and dense turf protect nymphs and keep the lower canopy moist.

Reduce Pest Pressure

• Scout the turf and confirm the pest before treating.
• Correct irrigation, fertility, mowing, thatch, or compaction problems that weaken roots and crowns.
• Treat the susceptible life stage and preserve beneficial insects where practical.

What University Research and Extension Guidance Says

University guidance places cultural management first: reduce excessive thatch, avoid chronic overwatering, and improve airflow. When treatment is warranted, mowing and irrigating as directed can improve penetration into the lower canopy.

Choosing and Timing a Turf Treatment

Use the products below as a starting point, then select a product labeled for the turf site and target pest. Match the application to the vulnerable life stage, place the material where the pest is feeding, and follow watering-in directions when treatment must reach the crown or root zone.

Research and label note: Research results help explain pest biology, timing, and product performance, but they do not expand a product label. Confirm the turf species, use site, target pest or nematode, life stage, rate, irrigation directions, and application interval on the current label before use.

University sources: NC State Extension: Arthropod Pests of North Carolina Turf; NC State Extension: Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers.