Sasha CampbellLooking for natural ways to keep pesky spittlebugs under control?
This article will explore some easy and effective home remedies using ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. We will also suggest natural products that work against these pests.
With just a little effort, you can keep your garden spittlebug-free naturally. So, let’s get started to learn about these natural control remedies.
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 to hide 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 the plants’ development.
How to Get Rid of Spittlebugs Naturally
The key is to take action when you spot signs of spittlebugs. Below are some home remedies and natural control methods for froghoppers that you might want to try:
1. Pick Them Off
One of the most effective natural methods of getting rid of spittlebugs is manually picking them off.
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 larvae 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 off the spittlebugs, nymphs, and eggs from your plants.
The force of the water will knock the critters off, exposing them to predators and the elements.
3. Pepper and Garlic Spray
To make a homemade spittlebug spray, combine about eight crushed hot peppers, six minced garlic cloves, and two cups of water.
Let it sit for 24 hours, then strain it through 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 solution will kill spittlebugs and deter or even kill other common plant pests.
4. Clean Up Garden
Removing garden debris, such as mulch, fallen leaves, and weeds around plants, is also a good idea to help prevent an infestation.
Female spittlebugs like to lay their eggs in protected spots, so clearing clutter denies them breeding space.
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 and some birds are excellent natural predators of spittlebugs. Try attracting these predators to your surroundings so they can feed on spittlebugs.
7. Neem Oil
When appropriately applied, neem oil naturally repels all kinds 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 treatment on the infested leaves and stems.
8. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps are natural pesticides that you can also use to get rid of spittlebug infestations.
To make a simple DIY insecticidal soap, combine four tablespoons of natural liquid soap, such as Castile soap, with one gallon of water.
Mix well and spray the solution directly on 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 the bugs and eggs, smothering them on contact.
Horticultural oil, also known as summer oil, can be found 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 with 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 ways to control spittlebugs without harsh chemicals. Start by regularly hosing down affected plants to remove the bugs.
You can also introduce beneficial insects, like praying mantises, to feed on the critters. Or use insecticidal soap sprays to suffocate the adults while being gentle on your plants.
Remember that consistency and patience are key, as it may take time to see results.
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