- What Are Sod Webworms?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms<\/a><\/li>
- What Do Sod Webworms Look Like?<\/a><\/li>
- What Causes Sod Webworms<\/a><\/li>
- Signs of Sod Webworms<\/a><\/li>
- How to Prevent Sod Webworms<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Sod Webworms<\/a><\/li>
- When to Call a Professional<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What Are Sod Webworms?<\/h2>
The term sod webworms is often used interchangeably to describe the pests\u2019 larval stage and <\/em>adult moth stage. When talking about sod webworms in this article, we\u2019re referencing the larval caterpillars that damage the lawn. <\/p>
The adult sod webworms (lawn moths) are not<\/em> the ones that cause the damage. In the larval stage, these caterpillars damage your lawn by feeding on the stems and grass leaves at night.<\/p>
Leading up to the damage, you might notice moths flying in a zigzag pattern across your lawn. This isn\u2019t necessarily where the problem occurs though. The problem occurs when the female moth lays up to 200 eggs while flying in that zigzag pattern. Within about a week, those eggs will hatch and it\u2019s feast time for those caterpillars.<\/p>
How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms<\/h2>
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/800px-Dethatcher2.jpg\")
PHoto Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc.<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> You\u2019ve established that you have sod webworms, and now you\u2019re eager to get rid of them. Here are some options for you to consider.<\/p>
Dethatch<\/h3>
Dethatching<\/a> is the practice of removing thatch (build-up of dead and living organic matter strung together between your grass and soil). Some thatch accumulation is normal and beneficial, but when thatch gets too thick, it can cause problems\u2013\u2013 such as becoming the perfect hideout for sod webworms and other lawn pests. <\/p>
Dethatching the lawn can help to remove the eggs and larvae that found a home in the thatch layer.<\/p>
Insecticides<\/h3>
Insecticides are most effective on sod webworms when you\u2019ve discovered them early, while the pests are still small. It\u2019s best to apply insecticides in the late afternoon or early evening since sod webworms become active later in the day. <\/p>
Liquid-form insecticides may provide better coverage than granular insecticides. Follow the directions on the insecticides for application instructions.<\/p>
Note: <\/strong>The following are examples of insecticides for sod webworms<\/a>:<\/p>
- Spinosad (Conserve SC)<\/li>
- Acephate (Orthene)<\/li>
- Carbaryl (Sevin)<\/li>
- Synthetic pyrethroids (bifenthrin and cyfluthrin)<\/li><\/ul>
Beneficial Nematodes<\/h3>
Beneficial nematodes<\/a> are minuscule roundworms that are readily available at garden and home improvement stores. After the sod webworm ingests the nematode, the nematode infects its host and kills it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Note: <\/strong>Different nematode species attack different pests. The following beneficial nematodes are commonly used to control sod webworms:<\/p>
- Steinernema carpocapsae<\/em><\/li>
- Heterorhabditis bacteriophora<\/em><\/li><\/ul>
Beneficial nematodes are safe to use around people and pets. <\/p>
Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)<\/h3>
Bacillus thuringiensis<\/a> is a bacteria that lives in the soil. It creates a protein that\u2019s toxic to some insects, including sod webworms. The liquid-form is ideal for uniform coverage and ease of application. <\/p>
Note: <\/strong>There are different strains of Bt, so ensure you choose one that is meant for sod webworms, such as Bt-kurstaki. Bt is not harmful to people, pets, and beneficial insects.<\/p>
What Do Sod Webworms Look Like?<\/h2>
![\"sod](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6262736390_730663d369_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> While there are 20 different types<\/a> of sod webworms, all types in the larvae stage are a cylindrical shape, usually a tan color with spots along their body, and about \u00be to 1 inch long. <\/p>
The lawn moths (adult form) are a light brown color. Their heads have snout-like projections with a wingspan of about \u00be to 1 inch.<\/p>
Sod webworms go through a life cycle starting from an egg to larvae to pupa to finally an adult moth.<\/p>
What Causes Sod Webworms<\/h2>
Thatch accumulation can contribute to the presence of sod webworms since it\u2019s where they like to burrow. Over-fertilizing can cause an increase in thatch, so be mindful of how much fertilizer (especially nitrogen) you\u2019re giving your lawn. <\/p>
Although sod webworms can feed on any grass type, bentgrass, buffalograss, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and zoysiagrass tend to be the most susceptible. <\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>The grass types that are susceptible to sod webworms can be overseeded<\/a> with an endophyte-enhanced seed variety to make them less susceptible. Endophyte-enhanced grass seed<\/a> varieties contain fungi that work in conjunction with the grass to create greater pest resistance and higher stress tolerance.<\/p>
Signs of Sod Webworms<\/h2>
Sod webworms are nocturnal so unless you\u2019re out at night, you might not notice them until the damage is already done in the morning. There are a few key signs to look for that might indicate your lawn is suffering from sod webworm damage.<\/p>
Visible Webs on Your Lawn<\/h3>
Although sod webworms are active at night, you might notice their webs with the help of morning dew. The morning dew drops attach to the webs, making them easier to spot.<\/p>
Moths at Dusk<\/h3>
Moths at dusk could indicate sod webworms will soon be a problem. After the female moths lay their eggs, the caterpillars will emerge within about a week. This will usually happen when it\u2019s warm, around July and August.<\/p>
Brown Spots on Turfgrass<\/h3>
Although brown spots on your turfgrass could indicate different problems, such as a lack of water from a drought, it\u2019s important to be mindful that it could be from sod webworms. If you notice the brown spots that continue to grow irregularly and grow together, you might want to consider taking a closer look at your grass blades. Looking closer at your grass blades will enable you to see a grazed or scalped appearance.<\/p>
Grazed or Scalped Appearance<\/h3>
Upon a closer look at the brown spots on your turfgrass, you may discover a grazed or scalped appearance from the sod webworms eating away at it. <\/p>
In the same area as the grazed or scalped appearance, you might also notice the caterpillars have left some additional evidence behind\u2013\u2013 excrement. The excrement will look like small piles of green pellets.<\/p>
Drench Test<\/h3>
If all else fails and you\u2019re still left wondering whether the lawn damage is from sod webworms, it might be time to conduct a drench test. It\u2019s a simple DIY test with items you already have laying around your house. To perform this test for sod webworms you\u2019ll need:<\/p>
- One to two tablespoons of dish soap<\/li>
- One to two gallons of water<\/li><\/ul>
Pour the mixture over many different spots (one square yard each) and wait about five minutes. The caterpillars will get irritated by the soapy water and rise to the soil surface, making it easier to count how many are present. If you count 15 or more, you likely have an infestation and it should be handled promptly to avoid further damage.<\/p>
How to Prevent Sod Webworms<\/h2>
![\"Lawn](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rsz_shutterstock_1177125406.jpg\")
Fertilizing Lawn
Photo Credit: Dean <\/a>Clarke<\/a> \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>You\u2019ve either done the hard work of ridding your lawn of sod webworms or you\u2019ve heard stories of these pests and would rather not deal with them. Either way, we\u2019re going to touch on some ways you can prevent sod webworms.<\/p>
Fertilize<\/h3>
Fertilizer<\/a> is a key factor to creating a healthier lawn. It provides your lawn with the nutrients it could be lacking. However, it\u2019s important to know how much fertilizer to apply. Too little fertilizer won\u2019t be effective but too much fertilizer can invite sod webworms and other insects to your lawn because of the potential excess thatch accumulation.<\/p>
Test your soil before fertilizing to ensure you provide your lawn with the exact nutrients it needs.<\/p>
The bottom line:<\/strong> The healthier your lawn, the more resistant it is to sod webworm damage. <\/p>
Mow<\/h3>
Each grass type has a certain recommended mowing height. Following these guidelines will help create a healthier, stronger, and better-looking lawn, which makes it more resistant to sod webworms and other lawn pests. If you have a current sod webworm infestation, bag your grass clippings after you mow.<\/p>
- Heterorhabditis bacteriophora<\/em><\/li><\/ul>
- Steinernema carpocapsae<\/em><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms<\/a><\/li>