Sasha CampbellLooking for natural ways to keep pesky spittlebugs under control?
This article will explore easy, effective home remedies using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. We will also suggest natural products that work against these pests.
With just a little effort, you can naturally keep your garden spittlebug-free. Let’s look at some simple and effective natural methods for controlling spittlebugs.
Identification
Spittlebugs, or froghoppers, are small insects that feed on plant sap.
To protect themselves, nymphs produce white foam blobs (spittle) [1]. The spittle serves as a shield, hiding the nymphs from predators, and helps them retain moisture.
The adults emerge in early summer. They resemble leafhoppers but are fatter. Their enlarged hind legs allow them to jump long distances.
You will likely see these pests on roses, strawberries, pine trees, chrysanthemums, rosemary, lavender, grasses, and other plants. They prefer sucking on tender new growth, which can stunt plant growth.
While heavy infestations can weaken plants, spittlebugs are usually more of a nuisance than a serious threat. Healthy, established plants can often tolerate small numbers without significant damage.
How to Get Rid of Spittlebugs Naturally
If you’re wondering how to get rid of froghoppers naturally, the methods below can help reduce their numbers without resorting to harsh chemicals.
1. Pick Them Off
One effective organic spittlebug control method is to pick them off by hand.
Frequently examine the undersides of leaves, particularly new growth. Watch for spittle masses and insects.
Use gloved fingers or tweezers to scrape off the spittle and squash any nymphs you find. Dropping the nymphs into a container of soapy water will also kill them quickly.
Look for both nymphs and adults.
2. Hose Them
You can also spray the bugs off of plants with a water hose.
If you see spittle masses in your garden, use your hose to spray them. This will help knock nymphs and adults from your plants while washing away the protective foam.
Once exposed, the insects become more vulnerable to predators and environmental conditions.
3. Pepper and Garlic Spray
To make a homemade spittlebug spray, combine about 8 crushed hot peppers, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 2 cups of water.
Let it sit for 24 hours, then strain it through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. Add a few drops of dish soap to help the spray adhere to the plants.
Spray this mixture liberally on plant leaves, especially the undersides.
The strong smell and compounds in garlic and hot peppers may help repel spittlebugs and discourage feeding. The spray may also help deter other common garden pests.
4. Clean Up the Garden
Remove excessive weeds, dense plant debris, and accumulated leaf litter around susceptible plants. This reduces hiding places where adult spittlebugs may shelter and lay eggs.
5. Row Covers
As an organic gardener, I believe row covers are an excellent defense against many insect pests.
Place the covers over susceptible garden plants. Secure the edges to prevent spittlebugs and other pests from accessing the plants.
6. Natural Predators
Praying mantises, spiders, assassin bugs, and some birds may feed on spittlebugs. Encouraging beneficial predators in the garden can help reduce pest populations naturally.
7. Neem Oil
When applied appropriately, neem oil naturally repels a wide range of bugs.
To use neem oil for spittlebugs, dilute a few drops of 100% cold-pressed neem oil with water and a mild detergent or soap.
Finally, spray this plant-based spittlebug treatment on the infested leaves and stems.
For best results, wash away the spittle masses with water before applying neem oil so the treatment can reach the insects underneath.
8. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps are natural pesticides that you can also use to get rid of spittlebug infestations.
To make a simple DIY insecticide soap, combine 4 tablespoons of natural liquid soap, such as Castile soap, with 1 gallon of water.
Mix well, then spray the solution directly onto spittlebug nymphs and adults. The soap solution kills the critters on contact.
You can also buy premade insecticidal soap for this purpose.
9. Horticultural Oil
Another organic remedy for combating spittlebugs is to apply horticultural oil. This oil coats exposed insects and some exposed eggs, smothering them on contact.
Horticultural oil, also known as summer oil, is available online. Follow the product directions to determine the correct dilution for your plants.
10. Bonide Captain Jack’s Orchard Spray
This product is a pesticide, a miticide, and a fungicide. One of the ingredients it relies on is pyrethrin. This compound is toxic to spittlebugs and other insect pests.
Mix it according to the container instructions. The spray works by contact, so thorough coverage of the entire plant is essential.
11. Soapy Water
Soapy water is a simple home remedy for spittlebugs. However, spraying it directly on them may not work as well as it does on smaller, soft-bodied insects.
Spittlebugs will suffocate if you drop them directly into soapy water. So, mix some dish soap, like Dawn, with water.
Next, pick off the bugs and eggs and drop them into the container of soap and water.
Takeaway
These are a few easy, natural spittlebug control methods that don’t involve harsh chemicals. These natural methods work best when combined.
Start by washing away spittlebug masses with a strong spray of water, then remove nymphs by hand. Follow up with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil if needed.
Spittlebugs rarely cause serious damage to healthy plants. Therefore, consistent monitoring is usually enough to keep their numbers under control.
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