I have these little black bugs with red stripes in my centipede lawn. What are they and how do I eliminate them?

Answer #1 · Brent Wilson's Answer · What you have is spittlebugs. An abundance of adult spittlebugs on ornamentals and lawns may result in an infestation that meets the thatch and moisture requirements necessary for egg and nymph development. However, control of adults has not yet been shown to be effective. Lawns heavily infested with spittlebug nymphs may feel squashy when walked on, as if shaving foam were underneath. This sometimes occurs before yellow spots appear in the grass.

Be sure a proper diagnosis is made before spittlebug control efforts are begun. Examine these areas or wilted spots for nymphs. Remember, spittle masses are usually located deep within the grass or in the thatch. Open the spittle masses to reveal the nymph, feeding head down.

Control spittlebug infestations chemically with products containing acephate or lambda-cyhalothrin (Martin's Cyonara Lawn & Garden Insect Control) or another product called Bifen. Always follow directions on label. Never apply pesticides for the treatment of plants or sites not listed on the label. Reinfestation from surrounding lawns or other areas may occur so try to get your neighbors to spray as well if their lawns are infested.

When treatment is required, mowing before application may also aid in control. Collect and destroy all clippings. If possible, irrigate turf after mowing. Do this several hours before making an insecticide application. Treat late in the day. Once treatment is done, delay mowing for several days.

Thatch control is important in preventing and controlling spittlebugs on lawns. Proper dethatching and fertilization practices can disrupt the humid conditions essential for spittlebugs.

Hope this info helped)