Dill speaks to BDN about spittlebugs

The Bangor Daily News interviewed James Dill, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension pest management specialist, about spittlebugs. Spittlebug nymphs produce foam that deters predators and prevents them from drying out while they feed on plant juices, according to the article. “It’s a secretion from the butt of the spittlebug,” Dill said, “so it’s not really spittle … A lot of people used to call it snake spit. I don’t know why. As a kid, that’s what I called it, even though I knew there was an insect in there.” The foam also can protect spittlebug nymphs from insecticides, Dill said. Water can be used to remove them if needed. “Normally we don’t see it bad enough that it warrants any action,” Dill said. Spittlebug infestations can stunt and distort stems and branches on certain evergreen trees, and can even kill them in a few years. They can cause problems for Christmas tree farmers and other people who grow evergreens for ornamental purposes, Dill said.