disease

viv54

i have this spit like substance on my lavender but also on various shrubs in my garden, i have tried washing it away, but is back again next day. please do you have a solution as to getting rid of this, and is it likely to be spreading. thanks for any help you can give.

lydiaann

It's 'cuckoo spit' - unsightly, but won't harm the plants.  Just hose it away each day and your plants will be fine.

nutcutlet

all part of nature, have a look inside. No danger. Life is interesting, don't kill it all

Kitty 2

The "spit" is created as a protective covering by a little insect (called a froghopper I think) it's a very pale green and lives inside the froth.

I just wipe it off.

nutcutlet

i leave it, the insect is very fragile at that stage and can't survive without the protection

Dovefromabove

I agree with nutcutlet - I leave it alone - it disappears in a few days anyway, and is a sign that you have a wildlife friendly garden.

I look forward to seeing it each year - it's a sign that summer is here 

Fairygirl

I do too Dove - not noticed any here yet. Fascinating little creatures and completely harmless. My oldest daughter loved looking at them when she was little 

Emma28

They're infesting my bronze fennel at the moment. I've just hidden it behind some other pots so I can leave it and not feel the temptation to pretty it up.

nutcutlet

good idea Emma