The term “sod webworm” refers to a group of closely related insect species whose larvae attack bluegrass and other turf grasses. Each species has a different life cycle, and sod webworms consume many types of grasses and even broad-leaved plants.
Many sod webworms are in the genus Crambusa, and adults of this group are called lawn moths, causing an immediate thinness in the feeding area. The more numerous the larvae, the thinner the turf will become.
Although symptoms may occur any time from May to September, they occur most frequently in June and August. Small brown areas, about 3-5 inches in diameter, signal the initial damage. Trail patterns soon change to larger, narrow, brown patches as larvae increase in size or numbers.
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Symptoms and effects
Sod webworms cause thin spots in turf grass. Moderate infestations often produce a “trailing brown pattern” and severe infestations may cause overall patchiness in turf. The larval or “caterpillar” stage causes the damage. Larvae live inside silken tunnels that they build at the base of grass plants-hence the name sod webworm. Larvae clip grass blades and drag them into the tunnels.
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Life cycle
Sod webworm moths are beige, but they look silvery in flight. At rest, the insect folds its wings against its body. The moths have a feathery, snout-like projection on the front of their heads. Because there are several species, you may see adults any time between May and September. However, the most common flight periods are May to June, and late August to early September. The moths are most evident at dusk. when they fly low across the lawn, scattering their eggs in flight. Larvae hatch from the eggs in 7-10 days. They start feeding immediately at the bases of grass plants. Larvae feed and grow for 6-10 weeks, depending on temperature and other conditions. Fully grown larvae are about 1 inch long. The various species are tan to light brown, often with small, darker spots. Most sod webworms overwinter as larvae in their silken webs.
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Cause
It can be difficult to verify that sod webworms are causing your turf damage because the larvae live in the thatch layer of turf grass. Check for them by carefully separating turf and thatch in damaged areas and examining for silken tunnels and larvae. You also can use chemicals that irritate larvae, causing them to climb higher in the grass to escape. Use liquid dish washing detergent or 1-2% pyrethrin insecticide as larval irritants. Mix 1 tablespoon of detergent or pyrethrin with 1 gallon of water. Apply the entire gallon of solution with a sprinkling can over an area of 1 square yard. Repeat the treatment at 2 or 3 locations, testing both damaged and adjacent undamaged turf. If larvae are present, they will surface in 5-10 minutes. Check the test area several times during this ten-minute period, because larvae will eventually re-enter the thatch. The presence of adult moths flying over a lawn doesn’t necessarily indicate an infestation. Moths may fly in from adjacent turf areas and not lay eggs. Therefore, you should not apply insecticides based solely on the presence of lawn moths. Starlings, grackles, and other insectivorous birds often eat sod webworm larvae. Their probing for food may indicate a lawn has many sod webworms or other insects.
CONTACT US Today For A Free Sod Webworm Evaluation- 920.434.7918
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Control
Sod webworm damage can look like problems caused by other turf grass diseases or insect pests. Always confirm that sod webworm larvae are present before treating.
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Cultural
Small populations of sod webworms live on much of Wisconsin’s established turf grass. Proper turf care and the activity of beneficial natural enemies usually keep webworm numbers below damaging levels. A healthy lawn can withstand limited sod web worm activity better than a diseased lawn, and it will recover more rapidly once larvae are gone. To maintain healthy turf grass, fertilize properly, control weeds and diseases, mow frequently at a height of 2-3 inches, and irrigate during dry periods. A healthy, competitive turf also promotes the beneficial activities of the webworm’ s natural enemies. Spiders, predaceous ground beetles, certain parasitic flies and wasps, and other beneficial turf insects all help keep the population of webworm larvae below damaging levels.
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Chemical
If your lawn is damaged and you find one or more larvae per square foot, we recommend chemical control. Avoid heavy irrigation and mowing for 3 days after application.
CONTACT US Today For A Free Insect Damage Turf Evaluation- 920.434.7918
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