A lush, green lawn can quickly become a patchy, brown mess if sod webworms invade and set up housekeeping among the grass blades. These tiny pests feed on grass, and they’ll cause significant damage if you leave your lawn untreated. Understanding what kills sod webworms and how to get rid of webworms in grass is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn.

What Are Sod Webworms?

Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths, and they are notorious for damaging grass. These caterpillar-like pests feed on the blades of turfgrass, leaving behind brown patches and thinning areas. They thrive in warm conditions, so be on the lookout for them from late spring through early fall.

What Causes Sod Webworms in Your Lawn?

Several factors contribute to sod webworm infestations. Most appear in the summer, as the warm temperatures encourage rapid development. If you don’t keep your lawn mowed regularly, excessive thatch buildup can provide shelter for larvae, but overwatering or poor drainage also creates an environment for moth eggs to hatch. A neglected lawn deters natural predators of sod webworms, such as birds or beneficial insects.

How to Identify Sod Webworms

When you learn to recognize sod webworms early, you can take proactive measures and help minimize the overall damage. To help, here are a few signs:

• Small, brown moths fluttering over the grass at dusk
• Brown, thinning patches appearing in your lawn
• Greenish-brown larvae with dark spots hiding in thatch or soil
• Small silk webbing found at the base of the grass blades

If you believe you have sod webworms present, you can confirm it with the soapy water test. Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with water and pour it over a suspected area. If larvae rise to the surface, you likely have an infestation.

How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms

If you’re wondering how to kill sod webworms, there are several treatment options available. Chemical sod worm treatment involves using insecticides labeled for sod webworms. Apply in the evening when larvae are actively feeding, but make sure to follow the product instructions carefully and repeat applications as necessary for the most effective control.

If you want to know how to get rid of sod webworms naturally, introduce beneficial nematodes to the soil to target larvae. Set up bird feeders around your yard to attract birds and encourage natural predation. Organic deterrents such as garlic or neem oil sprays can also help reduce infestations.

Knowing when to treat for sod webworms is just as important as choosing the right method. The best time for sod webworm treatment is late spring through summer when larvae are actively feeding. Regular lawn inspections and early intervention can minimize damage and help keep your lawn healthy throughout the season.

How to Prevent Sod Webworms

As with most pests, prevention remains the best approach to managing sod webworms. Follow these steps to keep your lawn protected:

• Mow and dethatch regularly to eliminate hiding places.
• Avoid overwatering to discourage favorable breeding conditions.
• Utilize proper fertilization to maintain strong grass growth that resists pests.

Encouraging natural predators, such as birds and beneficial insects, creates an ecosystem that keeps sod webworms in check. By maintaining a healthy lawn, you reduce the risk of sod webworm infestations and promote long-term turf health.

Sod webworms can wreak havoc on your lawn, but with the right approach, you can eliminate these pests and prevent future outbreaks. Whether you need professional sod worm treatment or want to learn more about how to get rid of sod webworms in your lawn, Lawn Doctor has you covered. Our expert team offers tailored solutions to restore and protect your yard from pests.

Learn more about our pest control services and contact us today to schedule your sod webworm treatment. Let us help you keep your lawn looking its best and get you back to living pest-free.