The froth is caused by an insect known as a spittlebug![Image](https://i2-prod.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article27048737.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_spittle.jpg)
A warning has been issued to report sightings of a froth appearing on garden plants this month. The foam is made by an insect called a spittlebug that is most active between May and July.
The little creature leaves froth on plants and grass at this time of year as it coats itself in foam for protection while sucking on sap for food. The offspring of the red and black bugs - also called froghoppers - then hatch on a foamy plant - with dahlias, chrysanthemums, roses, lavender, fuchsia, rosemary and willow among their favourites.
They can cause some distorted growth to plants, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). But scientists are most concerned that a plant disease known as Xyella could be spread by the spittlebug, our colleagues at Yorkshire Live report.
The impact of the disease can be significant. Where found in the United Kingdom, plants inside a 100-metre radius would have to be destroyed.
In addition, a 5km plant quarantine would be needed for as long as five years afterwards. The reason is simple - the disease could destroy native UK plant species.
And they are therefore warning people to report sightings. That way, any outbreaks can be linked and tracked to what causes them.
No. They feed on plants in our gardens, but they do not really extract enough nutrition to damage it. And the spittle is not harmful to humans.
According to the RHS, "apart from producing the 'spit', these insects have little detrimental effect on plants and should be tolerated as part of the biodiversity that gardens support."
A spokesperson for the Spittlebug survey said: "Please let us know when you see either spittle, nymphs (juveniles) or adults of the xylem-feeding insects (spittlebugs / froghoppers and some leafhoppers ) that have the potential to act as vectors of the bacteria. These records will help us build up a picture of where the bugs are found, what plants they feed on and how much they move around.
“This information will be essential for deciding how best to respond should the Xylella bacterium arrive in the UK." Report sightings online:
https://www.spittlebugsurvey.co.uk/how- ... eeding-ins![Image](https://i.imgur.com/KdvYPLV.png)