What is causing this.... " spit "..,on my Lavender plants ? Any answer
by
LindaMarie L
+10
12 answers
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Those are from a "spit" bug. Some folks call them spittle bug. http://gardening.about.com/od/insectpestid/a/Spittlebugs.htm
KMS Woodworks
on May 22, 2012
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Hmm, haven't noticed any! Good to know what they look like. Just in case!
Rebecca D
on May 22, 2012
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easiest control is to wash them off. Removing the spittle exposes the insects to predators.
Walter Reeves
on May 22, 2012
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Here is an article... http://www.ehow.com/how_5087672_rid-spittle-bugs.html
Melodie M
on May 23, 2012
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We used to call them hopping bugs because when they are full grown they won't hide in that foamy mess and they jump very far when touched. What is under the foam is an immature insect that is slowly growing. I haven't seen any in a long time. I believe the adult was black with some sort of markings about the size of a pencil eraser.
Paul M
on May 23, 2012
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I use an all natural soap, like Dr. Bronners, on my plants. Bugs don't like peppermint soap, and fungus doesn't like tea tree oil soap. I fill a spray bottle with water and add a few squirts of soap. Worked beautifully to eliminate spiders and their messy stuff from my bushes too.
Monica W
on May 23, 2012
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Monica, is naptha soap ok to use ?
Rebecca D
on May 24, 2012
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In the UK, it's called cookoo spit. and each lot has one grub in it. I don't know what harm they do, but chances are, they do, so wipe it of and let the sun dry it off. My niece is a botany teacher and horticultural professor, so I'll ask her.
Linda T
on May 26, 2012
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Rebecca, I'm not familiar with naphtha soap. Compare the ingredients to Dr. Bronners soap: INGREDIENTS: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils**, Citric Acid, Vitamin E. Vermont Soap makes a great soap too, and there is also another terrific one called Peace Soap sold at Targets and some grocery stores (and amazon). I use all three and love them all! Oh, Dr. Bronners makes a pine soap that is awesome - Sal Suds. That would do the trick too! Hope this helps!
Monica W
on May 27, 2012
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Fels - Naptha, is a home remedy for exposure to poison Ivy / oak & other skin irritants Been around since 1893. There's a catalogue called Vermont Country Store. The Orton Family Business Since 1946. Purveyors of the Practical& Hard to find.
Rebecca D
on May 27, 2012
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Hi Rebecca, I checked it out! I've bought this soap before, now I know how to use it! However, if you're going for an organic garden, I might skip the Fels-Naptha soap. It's high in harsh checimals and probably has such a strong pH, it might cause unwanted changes in the garden. I'm going to keep some on hand for poison ivy though, thanks for the tip! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fels-Naptha, http://www.felsnaptha.com/)
Monica W
on May 28, 2012
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As promised...............................Hi Aunty Linda yes you are right 0 one bug in each. They do very little damage as they don't come in millions though each one is a sap sucker so slightly deforms the stem or leaf it lives on. The quickest cure is to hit with a water jet from your hose - which knocks them off & is more acceptable for squeamish people than wiping off with your finger ( which also works). Spraying does not work as they have the froth to protect them from direct contact chemicals, though systemic insecticides ( i.e. the stronger ones) can help, it is a bit extreme to poison an entire plant for just a few bugs.
Linda T
on May 28, 2012
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