Scientist warning over deadly ’strange froth’ appearing in gardens

People are being urged to report sightings of deadly 'strange froth' appearing in gardens - have you seen any?

Spittlebug, warning over deadly 'strange froth'
(Image credit: Getty)

Scientists are warning members of the public to look out for and report a 'strange froth' substance that could be popping up in their gardens this summer.

As families worry over the picking the best suncream for kids, they are being urged to be concerned about any foam-like substance found in their gardens as it could prove deadly.

It comes after a mum warned about a 'deadly' plant lurking in gardens and now there is something else to look out for when doing the gardening.

This new warning is about a mucus which is said to be from an insect called a Spittlebug and it is a potential carrier of a disease called Xyella. This is particularly deadly as once spread between the plants it could wipe out native UK plant species.

A Spittlebug survey is being conducted by scientists and a spokesperson told Examiner Live, "Please let us know when you see either spittle, nymphs (juveniles) or adults of the xylem-feeding insects (spittlebugs / froghoppers and some leafhoppers ) that have the potential to act as vectors of the bacteria.

"These records will help us build up a picture of where the bugs are found, what plants they feed on and how much they move around. This information will be essential for deciding how best to respond should the Xylella bacterium arrive in the UK."

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The spittlebug is known to be the carrier and it has already destroyed olive groves in Italy over the past few years - with experts branding Xyella as "one of the world's most dangerous pathogens".

It is so dangerous that if it was to be found in the UK, all plants within a 100m radius would need to be destroyed and a 5km plant quarantine would need to be introduced for up to five years afterwards to control the deadly disease and stop it from spreading further.

warning over deadly 'strange froth'

(Image credit: Getty)

What is the foam from spittlebugs?

The foam from spittlebugs is caused by the larvae of an insect called a froghopper, where the insect sucks sap from the plant and it looks like a mass of white bubbles.

The foam can usually be seen from the end of May to the end of June. but while it's not harmful to humans, it can be harmful to the environment.

You can report a sighting here: https://www.spittlebugsurvey.co.uk/how-to-survey-for-xylem-feeding-ins

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)