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Pest Guides Lawn Care Guides

Sod Webworms Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

Sod Webworm Identification Guide

What Are Sod Webworms?

Sod webworms are the larval stage of various moth species that can inflict significant damage to lawns. While there are many species of sod webworms, they share similar characteristics, making identification crucial for effective control.

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Life Cycle

Sod webworms begin their life as tiny larvae in the soil. When disturbed, they curl into small balls for protection. These larvae construct silken tubes in the grass where they live and feed.

They can appear in various colors, including tan, brown, green, or gray, often marked with dark spots and a dark head. As they grow, sod webworm larvae can reach a length of approximately 3/4 inch.

Adult sod webworms, commonly referred to as "snout moths," are small moths with a distinctive snout-like projection on the front of their heads. These moths are weak fliers and tend to fly only short distances when disturbed before landing back on the grass.

For additional help identifying sod webworms, contact our experts or visit the next guide to learn more about the damage they can cause and how to treat them.

Sod Webworm Inspection Guide

Know the Signs of Sod Webworms

Sod webworm infestations can be challenging to detect because adult female moths lay up to 200 eggs scattered randomly across your yard. This means there isn’t a specific area more likely to harbor these pests. However, there are clear signs to watch for, including noticeable damage to your turf and the presence of live sod webworms feeding above ground.

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Step1 Identify Damage

Identifying Sod Webworm Damage

Once sod webworm eggs hatch in late spring, the larvae begin feeding on grass blades, causing significant damage:

  • Early Damage: When the larvae are small, they skeletonize grass blades, eating the soft leaf tissue while leaving behind the veins.
  • Progressive Feeding: As the larvae grow, they begin eating whole sections of grass blades, leaving notched edges.
  • Severe Damage: Eventually, the larvae clip entire blades at the crown and drag them into their silken tubes for consumption. This results in the formation of brown patches in the lawn. These patches start small but can expand and merge into larger areas over time.
  • Confusion with Other Damage: This damage can be mistaken for drought stress or dog urine damage, but clipped grass blades at the crown are a key indicator of sod webworm activity.

Step2 When to Look for Damage

Sod webworms have two generations per season. The larvae that hatch in the spring cause the most damage as they feed throughout the spring and summer. Damage is typically most noticeable in July and August.

Step3 Soap Flush Test

If you suspect sod webworms in your lawn but need confirmation, conduct a simple soap flush test:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of detergent with 2 gallons of water.
  2. Pour the mixture over a square yard of your turf.
  3. Observe the area for worms rising to the surface.

If you see more than 10-15 webworms, it’s time to start treating your lawn.

For detailed instructions on treatment, refer to our guide on how to get rid of sod webworms.

Sod Webworm Treatment Guide

Treatment Options

Sod webworms can cause extensive lawn damage but are relatively easy to manage, especially if you start treatment shortly after the webworms hatch. Both non-chemical and chemical methods can be effective in controlling these pests.

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Non-Chemical Control

Products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) or spinosad, types of bacteria, are excellent reduced-risk options for managing sod webworms. These are generally safe to use around children and pets and are most effective when used on smaller larvae, making early detection crucial.

  • Different strains of B.t. are available, so choose one specifically formulated for sod webworms.
  • Thoroughly water your lawn before applying for better results.
  • Carefully read and follow all product instructions to ensure successful control.

Beneficial nematodes are another non-chemical option. These living organisms should be applied soon after purchase for the best results. Be sure to select nematodes designed for sod webworm control.

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Chemical Control

Synthetic pyrethroids are commonly used for effective sod webworm control. Keep these tips in mind when applying chemical treatments:

  • Apply treatments late in the day since sod webworms are most active at night.
  • Thoroughly water your lawn a few days before application to draw webworms closer to the surface.
  • If permitted by the product label, mow your lawn before application to remove excess turf, allowing the product to penetrate more effectively.
  • Always follow label directions closely for the safest and most effective results.

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Sod Webworm Treatment Infographic

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Sod Webworm Prevention Guide

Preventing Sod Webworms Can Be Challenging
But You Can Minimize Damage

It can be difficult to stop webworm moths from laying eggs in your lawn, especially if worms were already present during late summer or early fall. The second generation of webworms either overwinters in the soil or hibernates deep underground, returning to the turf in spring to feed and develop into moths.
Despite this, there are steps you can take to help prevent significant damage to your yard.

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Step1 Maintain a Healthy Lawn

A well-maintained lawn is more resilient to sod webworm damage and recovers more quickly. However, overfertilizing and overwatering can make your yard more appealing to moths for egg-laying. To prevent this:

  • Follow proper fertilization and irrigation practices in your lawn care routine.
  • Keep your lawn healthy without creating an overly attractive environment for moths.

Step2 Reduce Thatch Levels

While sod webworms don't depend on thatch, a thick layer of thatch can provide better shelter for the worms during the day when they rest. Managing thatch levels will:

  • Reduce hiding spots for sod webworms.
  • Make it easier to inspect your lawn, as worms near the soil will be more visible with minimal thatch.
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