Webworm Moths

In late spring to early summer, web worms emerge as adult webworm moths, or lawn moths. These grass moths are small, white or buff-colored moths that fly along the lawn’s surface and lay eggs throughout. It only takes one week for eggs to hatch so, oftentimes, there are multiple generations of sod webworms in an infested lawn by July or August.

While sod webworm moths won’t damage grass themselves, you can be sure their larvae will wreak havoc on your turf.

How Do I Identify Sod Webworms?

Sod Webworm larvae, or caterpillars, are gray or tan in appearance, with double lines of dark spots running lengthwise along their bodies. They have brown heads and usually grow to be ¾” – 1” before transforming into grass moths.

Sod webworm moths average between ½” – ¾” long and boast fragile, white, cream, or light tan wings. When resting, they fold their wings behind them for a lean and thin appearance that blends well with dying grass blades.

If you start noticing patchy, brown spots in your grass, sod webworms may be to blame. Take a few minutes to inspect these brown areas for blades of grass chewed off close to the base.

During the day, webworms like to hide in silk tubes that burrow toward the soil. Look for signs of silky webbing and small holes leading through the thatch layer. You may also find the caterpillar’s bright green fecal matter (in the form of very small pellets) among the thatch or laying in the soil.

Another thing you can do is take a walk through your yard at dusk. As you step, watch for white webworm moths that flutter along the grass’s surface when disturbed by your movements.

Regular lawn maintenance is the first step to detering sod webworms from finding your home’s outdoor area appealing. It’s a good idea to rake your lawn frequently enough that it removes the dead thatch layer below. Removing thatch prevents webworms from spinning their hiding spots, and makes them vulnerable to natural predators like spiders, robins, and finches.

When it comes to existing sod webworm damage and repair, however, it’s a good idea to to contact professionals to rid your lawn of the pests and repair it to a healthy state again.

If you suspect a sod webworm problem, you’ll want to treat for them as quickly as possible. Senske Pest Control experts will properly diagnose a sod webworm infestation, and offer a sod webworm treatment plan that’s proven to work.

We understand the sod webworm life cycle and the approach needed to get rid of everything from sod web worm eggs and larvae to adult webworm moths. We can also put you on the fast track to heal sod webworm damage and get your yard back up to par.