I have these little black bugs with red stripes on their wings that I think are doing some serious damage to my Zoyisa lawn. When I cut the grass there's this spit-like substance I keep stepping on and hundreds of these bugs are flying around. Does anybody know what type of bug this is and if there's a way to kill and control them?

Answer #1 · Chason Arthur's Answer · Those little black bugs with red stripes on their wings that are infesting your Zosysia lawn are spittlebugs. The white foam or globs of spit-like substance you see is a tell-tale sign if spittlebug infestation.

Fortunately, spittlebug management is easy. Since they are nesting right there in the grass, they are easy targets. A good combination of liquid and granular material will knock them down and keep them down. In most situations, two applications will be needed to get local populations under control. Check with your local nursery and garden center to see what products they might have for eliminating spittlebugs in your lawn.
If you want to kill and control spittlebugs organically on plants, here's a good recipe for a spray.
Organic spittle bug killer recipe:
1/2 cup hot peppers, diced
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 cups water
2 tablespoons liquid soap

Preparation: Puree peppers, garlic and water together. Let sit for 24 hours. Strain and mix in the liquid soap. Wipe the plant foam off the plant and spray all parts of the plant)