One of the most common lawn damages is sod webworms. They can be many of the species of caterpillars that turn into moths and are popularly known as lawn moths. In the adult stage, the moth does no harm, but its hungry larvae may eat your whole grass!
Few things bring more frustration to homeowners that care about their green lawn than seeing it turning brown or patchy due to pests. Sed webworms are no different from other pests and can be prevented and treated easily when well-identified.
If you need to understand the best sod webworm treatment and prevention, this is the right guide for you. Continue reading and find out everything you need to get rid of them!
Will Grass Grow Back after Sod Webworm Damage?
Yes, grass can grow back after sod webworm damage. However, it highly depends on the severity of the damage and how quickly you handle it. Sod webworms are a type of pest that feed on grass blades and can cause those unwanted brown patches in lawns.
If the damage is small, the grass may recover on its own, but if the damage is severe and the sod webworm infestation is out of control, the grass might not recover and might need reseeding or resodding.
For you to help that process and promote grass recovery, it is important to address the sod webworm infestation as soon as you identify it exists.
How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms
There are different forms of dealing with sod webworms in the grass. You might prefer to choose a natural way, a traditional insecticide, prevention, or professional help. Either way, the first step is to realize you do have a sod webworm infestation. Continue reading to understand how.
How to Identify Sod Webworm Infestation
These are the most common signs that your house’s lawn has a sod webworm infestation:
- brown patches in the grass: caterpillars will eat the leaves until the soil surface;
- moths in the area: the adult stage of the pest will be there around the end of the day;
- birds in your yard: they may be there in an unusual quantity or frequency searching for food; and
- the caterpillars themselves: these pests will only be seen at night when they go out to eat!
If you suspect a sod webworm infestation, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage to your lawn.
What Insecticide Kills Sod Webworms?
The majority of the common insecticides control sod webworms. You can opt for the sprayable ones to eradicate them from the surface of your lawn. Some of the three most common options are:
- Bifenthrin;
- Carbaryl; and
- Chlorantraniliprole.
For the insecticide options, remember to read the instructions and wear the appropriate protective equipment. In all cases, lightly water your lawn after applying the product to have the chemicals enter the soil until the place where caterpillars live – the thatch layer.
How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms Naturally
If you want a more natural option you can go for several alternatives that work effectively. The top three most recommended to get rid of sod webworms are:
- beneficial nematodes;
- Bacillus thuringiensis; and
- soap and water.
It is important to bear in mind that natural methods of pest control may not be as immediately effective as chemical insecticides, and may require more frequent applications. Plus, correctly identifying the pest and choosing the right method of control will guarantee the best results.
When to Treat for Sod Webworms
The ideal time of the year to treat sod webworms is in early summer. That is right before the adults emerge and lay eggs. In colder climates, however, late summer is the best time to do the job.
In general, the peak activity of sod webworms occurs during the summer months when temperatures are warm and humid. Trust us: you will want to apply sod webworm treatment before that happens.
How to Prevent Sod Webworms
The best way to prevent sod webworms – or any other pests – is to take good care of your lawn! A healthy lawn can better resist sod webworm infestations. Make sure to water your lawn deeply and regularly, fertilize it as needed, and mow it at the proper height.
A year-round lawn care treatment is all you need to avoid all sorts of damage to your yard. Always keep an eye out for any suspicious brown patches or other signs of pests. Another tip is to attract natural predators, in order to feed on the unwanted animals and control their population.
If you are not managing to handle the sod webworm infestation on your own, reach out for our pest control pros. They will deal with these unwelcomed animals in no time.
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