Spittlebug & Meadow Froghopper

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PestControlBasics Editorial Team

Reviewed by Derek Giordano · Updated 2026

Illustrated identification guide — PestControlBasics.com

🔍 Identification

Nymphs: yellow-green; 3-7mm; hidden inside the white frothy 'spittle' mass on plant stems (early summer). Adults: grey-brown or mottled; 6-7mm; jump strongly when disturbed — called 'froghoppers' in the UK for this jumping ability. Found on strawberries, ornamental grasses, clover, lavender, rosemary, and many other plants.

🧬 Biology & Behavior

Nymphs produce the foam by forcing air through their abdominal fluid — the foam provides protection from predators and prevents desiccation. One nymph per foam mass typically. Adults jump when disturbed. One generation per year in most regions.

⚠️ Damage & Health Risk

Feeding causes wilting, stunting, and distorted growth in host plants. Established plants typically tolerate some spittlebug feeding. Strawberry yield can be reduced in severe infestations. Less economically significant than many other pests but can be cosmetically unacceptable in ornamental gardens.

🔧 DIY Treatment

Blast with water — this knocks nymphs out of the foam and exposes them to desiccation and predators. Neem oil or insecticidal soap applied directly to the foam mass. Hand remove foam masses. Natural predators (parasitoid wasps) control populations in areas with good biological diversity.

👷 When to Call a Pro

Rarely warranted alone.

❓ FAQ

Is the spittle on my plants harmful?

The foam itself is harmless — it's produced by the insect larva hiding inside. The feeding damage is the concern, not the foam. Remove the foam and the exposed nymph will usually be eaten by birds or desiccate within hours.

What makes the foam?

The spittlebug nymph forces air bubbles through a fluid it secretes from its abdomen, producing stable foam similar to soap bubbles. The foam is protective — it keeps the nymph moist and makes it difficult for predators to detect and grab.

Factor	Details
U.S. Range	All or most U.S. states
Regional Detail	Distribution varies — consult your local extension service for regional prevalence data.

Factor

Details

U.S. Range

All or most U.S. states

Regional Detail

Distribution varies — consult your local extension service for regional prevalence data.

📅 Treatment Timing Guide

Treating at the right time dramatically improves results. Pest control timed to the life cycle uses less product and achieves better long-term control.

Period	Action
Spring	Inspection and perimeter treatment before pest season starts.
Summer	Active monitoring and targeted treatments as needed.
Fall	Preventive treatment before overwintering pests seek entry.

Period

Action

Spring

Inspection and perimeter treatment before pest season starts.

Summer

Active monitoring and targeted treatments as needed.

Fall

Preventive treatment before overwintering pests seek entry.

💰 Professional Treatment Costs

Service Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Initial inspection	Free (self-inspect)	$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)
One-time treatment	$30–$100 in materials	$150–$500
Annual service contract	N/A	$400–$900/year
Severe infestation	Often ineffective alone	$500–$2,500+

Service Type

DIY Cost

Professional Cost

Initial inspection

Free (self-inspect)

$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)

One-time treatment

$30–$100 in materials

$150–$500

Annual service contract

N/A

$400–$900/year

Severe infestation

Often ineffective alone

$500–$2,500+

Prices vary by region, property size, and infestation severity.

❓ Common Questions About 🐛 Spittlebug (Meadow Froghopper)

How do I confirm I actually have this pest (not something similar)?

The most reliable confirmation is a physical specimen — capture one and compare to reference images on this page. For cryptic pests (bed bugs, termites), look for secondary signs: frass, shed skins, mud tubes, or bites with a specific pattern. When uncertain, a professional inspection is faster than months of misidentification.

Can I treat this myself or do I need a professional?

DIY is effective for small, accessible infestations caught early. Professionals are worth the cost when: the infestation is inside wall voids or structural elements, multiple rooms are affected, you have health-risk pests (hantavirus, venomous species), or DIY has already failed twice.

How long until the infestation is completely gone?

Expect 3–8 weeks for most infestations with proper treatment. Insects with dormant life stages (pupae, eggs) extend the timeline because those stages are impervious to most insecticides. Follow-up treatments at 2 and 4 weeks catch each new cohort as they emerge.

What's the most common mistake people make treating this pest?

Treating only the visible pest population while ignoring the harborage site, entry point, or breeding location. Killing adults provides temporary relief but the population rebuilds from hidden egg cases, pupae, or new arrivals through unaddressed entry points.

🐛 Spittlebug (Meadow Froghopper)