They are capable of a split second hop when a threatening situation is perceived. The mature spittlebugs are commonly active during early morning, but hide near the soil surface during the heat of the day. They are about 1/4 inch long with black bodies, red eyes and legs, and have two orange stripes across their wings. Centipede grass is most susceptible to their damage, and this turf is commonly under stress due to soil conditions in coastal Florida not being favorable to this popular species of grass.Īdult two-lined spittlebugs are easy to identify if seen. Their propensity to attack turfgrass species is what commonly calls attention to their presence. Spittlebugs are present throughout the entire state and are most abundant in northern and northwestern Florida. This insect usually passes unobserved until the damage is noticed and they are sought to account. Spittlebugs hide themselves, deceiving the casual observer, by excreting a frothy substance from their abdomen. Les Harrison is the County Extension Director at the UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County Office and he has compiled some helpful information for North Florida residents: These colorful bugs love to munch on centipede grass and the damage is usually what causes a homeowner to notice them. The adult population of Spittlebugs are beginning to appear in the Jacksonville FL area.
July 29th, 2021 by The Critter Gitter Pest Control News Tags: are spittlebugs harmful, florida spittlebug, spittle bug, spittlebug, spittlebug bacteria, spittlebug damage, spittlebug treatment
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