Plant guide:ð Lavender
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Pests
Spittlebugs (Froghoppers) on Lavender
Commonly affects: Lavandula angustifolia / L. x intermedia (Lavender)
A frothy, white, spit-like foam appears on stems, with a small greenish insect hiding inside â mostly a cosmetic nuisance rather than a serious threat.
Potential Causes
- 1Spittlebug nymphs producing the characteristic foam as protection while they feed on stem sap
- 2More common outdoors during spring and early summer
- 3Rarely causing significant damage even in noticeable numbers
Solution Steps
- 1Rinse off the foam and nymphs with a strong spray of water for light infestations
- 2Generally no chemical treatment is needed, since spittlebugs rarely cause meaningful damage to an established plant
- 3Monitor for repeat infestations but avoid unnecessary pesticide use for what's largely a cosmetic issue
Prevention Tip
Spittlebug foam looks alarming but is mostly harmless to an established, healthy lavender plant â a simple water rinse is usually all that's needed.
