Spittlebugs on Rosemary: Identification and Organic Control

Gooey, pea-sized "marshmallow" blobs on rosemary are spittlebug nymphs (Philaenus spumarius). They suck sap and hide in foam for protection.

Organic Spray

Recipe: 1 tsp rubbing alcohol + 1 tsp hot sauce + 1 qt water in spray bottle.

Method: Test 1 leaf, wait 24h. Spray all surfaces, especially under leaves, every 3 days until gone. Dilute if burn occurs.

Alternative Controls

• Strong water jet dislodges foam and nymphs.
• Insecticidal soap (direct contact needed).
• Neem oil (disrupts development).
• Gardens Alive (gardensalive.com) – specific spittlebug products.

Prevention

• Remove weeds (alternate hosts).
• Encourage predators: birds, spiders, assassin bugs.
• Healthy rosemary (proper water, prune, feed) resists better.

Spittlebugs rarely kill established plants but weaken them. Treat promptly for best recovery.