4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[peanut12]

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.

[Valkyrie]

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".

[Snowy]

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

[Trish]

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

[Jules.]

I have loads on my lavender too

[Charlottechicken]

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?

[Guest]

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!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Got a plant from mother-in-law today - OH commented that there was cuckoo spit on it!

[Matthew]

its harmless.. froghopper insect.. uses it to hide in... but can just wash off if you like

[MaggieMcHen]

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