peanut12 Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I have a huge Lavendar in my front garden which has become covered in what looks like spit. I assume it is some kind of fungus, anyone know how to ged rid of it cos it looks disgusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 Don't worry, it is caused by a little insect that surrounds itself with froth. Whilst they are sap suckers, they don't slurp enough to harm the plants, unlike pesky aphids. You can always sprinkle it with water and wash it off but we never bother. We call it "cuckoo spit". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 Can't remember the correct name for it, but the spit contains a little beetle. We call it cuckoo spit. Right googled it, cuckoo spit contains the larva of the froghopper beetle or spittle bug. Not sure how to get rid, could you hose them off? I have some on my lavender, but I just leave them alone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I hasve it on all my lavender too, I just hose it now and again to keep it down. Doesn't seem to affect the flowers though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I have loads on my lavender too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I have loads in my garden too, we also call it cuckoo spit I generally only find it if I thrust my hand into a border to remove a weed and my arm comes out covered in the stuff The little bug inside is green until it matures. I always loved making the adult beetles jump when I was little Is it a good beetle or a bad one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 got it all over the shop. It was mentioned on gardeners world the other week but I can't for the life of me remember what they said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 Got a plant from mother-in-law today - OH commented that there was cuckoo spit on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 its harmless.. froghopper insect.. uses it to hide in... but can just wash off if you like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMcHen Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 The little beetles are also excellent food for very tiny, new frogs to eat so if you have a pond just 'paint brush' them on to a large leaf and leave them near the edge of the pond. I have them all over the garden at this time of year too. They soon get big enough not to need to hide in spit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
