Pine spittlebug adults are either a mottled medium brown or dark reddish brown. Both nymphs and adults feed on plant sap. However, in heavy infestations, the wounds caused by pine spittlebug feeding result in resinous deposits that can restrict sap flow. Pine spittlebug feeding sites also serve as an entrance point for Diplodia shoot blight. Meadow spittlebug is rarely numerous enough to cause damage.
Most damage caused by meadow spittlebug is aesthetic, due to the presence of the spittle masses.
Meadow spittlebug nymphs can be washed off of plants with forceful streams of water. In rare instances, acephate or carbaryl may be needed.