Still, it’s nice to know what they are and what their intentions could be during their stay in your humble abode. In fact, they’re likely more afraid of you than you are of them. The good news is: Most common house bugs won’t harm you. And when they do, spotting one in your home is well, not fun, no matter how big or small the critter is. The late season eggs overwinter and hatch the following spring, typically from late March to late April.įirst generation adults are most abundant in June, with the adult population peaking again in August or September.We can all agree that bugs belong outside-but they somehow always make their way into an indoor crack or crevice you weren’t expecting. Eggs are laid in hollow grass stems or behind the leaf sheaths. The life cycle requires about two and a half months. There are usually two to three generations per year, depending on weather conditions. High moisture and humid conditions favor their development and flourishing populations. Some dried spittle masses may appear high on the host plant during adult’s emergence. Most spittle masses occur near the soil surface or in thatch making them observable, but only to those who are looking. The opaque mass is not inviting and covers this insects hidden agenda.ĭuring the nymph stage, this native pest is feeding on its plant host. The foam has the appearance, at least to humans, of a projected expectoration or spittle from some uncouth trespasser. They are cloaked by a mass of white frothy foam which they excrete for protection. The nymphs are yellow or creamy-white in color with a distinct brown head, but are rarely seen. 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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