Pine Spittlebug on Evergreens: Insecticide Control

White frothy "spit balls" on hemlock, fir, spruce = pine spittlebug (Aphrophora parallela). Nymphs hide in foam; adults fly.

Damage

• Heavy infestation → twig/branch mortality next year.
• Sooty mold on honeydew.

Control

1. Contact insecticide (carbaryl/Sevin, permethrin, acephate/Orthene) before mid-July.
2. Force spray through foam to reach nymphs.
3. Same spray as roses/aphids works.

Prevention

• Fertilize/water for vigor.
• Spray at first sign next spring.
• Natural fungus (Entomophthora) often crashes populations.

Easy to kill if you penetrate the foam. Timing (pre-July) is everything.