The two-lined spittlebug is a pest of turf and ornamentals. Nymphs are most often associated with turfgrasses, while adults cause minor damage on various ornamentals, especially hollies.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Adult are 1/3 inch long, black with two orange stripes on their roof-like wings. The abdomen is bright red and shows during flight. Nymphs are light colored, teardrop shaped with red eyes found in a spittlemass in the thatch. Turf turns yellow from the insect sucking plant sap. Holly leaves become splotchy yellow, dropping prematurely

WHAT TO DO: Check for nymphs in late afternoon. Adults fly when startled. Apply diazinon liquid, according to label directions. Good coverage is essential. Granular formulations are not as effective.