HOW TO CONTROL CUCKOO SPIT ON LAVENDER |The Garden of Eaden

How to control cuckoo spit on lavender

Lavender plants are known for being tough, reliable and able to thrive in both poor soils and on neglect. However there is one affliction they seem to suffer from every year like clockwork. From May to July, the unsightly bubble nests of the froghopper nymphs appear, more commonly known as cuckoo spit.

Froghopper nymphs

Cuckoo spit is a white frothy liquid secreted by the nymphs to protect themselves against predators and to prevent their soft bodies from drying out in warm, dry weather.

Under the protection of the cuckoo spit, the nymph will feed on the soft plant tissues at the shoot tip. Damaged caused by froghopper nymphs feeding can cause the new growth to become distorted, however as this is replaced the natural look of the plant will reappear.

While you can control froghopper nymphs with systemic insecticides it isn't really necessary. As the bubble nests are conspicuous against the lavenders foliage, it is easy to identify where each nymph is hiding and can be dealt with in a more organic fashion.