{"id":10128,"date":"2022-06-12T15:17:48","date_gmt":"2022-06-12T15:17:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=10128"},"modified":"2026-09-10T14:55:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T14:55:37","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Rid of Sod Webworms in Your Lawn"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Only the larvae bite:<\/strong> Sod webworms are the caterpillar stage of lawn moths, and just the caterpillars, not the adult moths, damage your grass.<br>\u2022 <strong>Confirm before you treat:<\/strong> A simple soap drench test brings larvae to the surface so you can tell sod webworms apart from drought stress.<br>\u2022 <strong>A strong lawn is the best defense:<\/strong> Proper mowing, watering, and thatch control help a healthy lawn resist and recover from sod webworms on its own.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworms are the larval, caterpillar stage of lawn moths, and their favorite snack is your grass. You can get rid of sod webworms and keep them from coming back with a few targeted steps.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below, we start with how to get rid of sod webworms, then cover how to spot and confirm them, prevent the next infestation, and explain what these pests are.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If hunting for caterpillars at dusk is not your idea of fun, Lawn Love&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment service<\/a> can take the pest problem off your hands.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-39ddab56-8c39-4fe4-bd3d-2dfcaeaa1cda\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/#0-how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms-in-your-lawn\" style=\"\">How to get rid of sod webworms in your lawn<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/#3-how-to-spot-and-confirm-sod-webworms\" style=\"\">How to spot and confirm sod webworms<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/#8-how-to-prevent-sod-webworms-in-your-lawn\" style=\"\">How to prevent sod webworms in your lawn<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/#11-sod-webworm-basics\" style=\"\">Sod webworm basics<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/#15-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm-2.jpg\" alt=\"Sod webworm\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sod webworm Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Eudonia_sabulosella_170362024.jpg\">Sean Clifford<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"0-how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms-in-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms-in-your-lawn\">How to get rid of sod webworms in your lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get rid of sod webworms, treat the larvae with a biological or chemical product in the early evening, when the caterpillars come out to feed. You have several biological and chemical treatment options to choose from:<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-biological-control-options\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"biological-control-options\">Biological control options<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biological products target the larvae while going easy on your lawn, and most are budget-friendly for a DIY treatment.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ben McGraw, professor and program coordinator of Turfgrass Science at Pennsylvania State University, says for most insects, including sod webworms, &#8220;targeted insecticide applications timed to young larval stages are most effective.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And he says Bacillus thuringiensis and nematodes are most effective.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Organic\/biological options include entomopathogenic nematodes (effective against grubs, mole crickets, and webworms when soil moisture is adequate) and Bacillus thuringiensis for caterpillar pests like armyworms and sod webworms,&#8221; McGraw says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how the most common options compare:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Biological option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How it works<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Application tip<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), kurstaki or aizawai<\/td><td>A bacteria that works best on young larval stages<\/td><td>Washes off with water, so reapply after rain or watering, and apply in the early evening<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nematodes<\/td><td><em>Steinernema carpocapsae<\/em>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beneficial-nematodes-for-pest-control\/\">beneficial nematode<\/a> that attacks larvae in the soil<\/td><td>Keep soil moist so the nematodes stay active<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Azadirachtin<\/td><td>A compound from the neem tree, just like neem oil<\/td><td>Reapply as directed, since it breaks down quickly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spinosad<\/td><td>A bacteria-derived organic pest control that controls lawn caterpillars<\/td><td>Let it dry before bees come out, as it is toxic to bees while wet<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These options are easy on the wallet too. Bottled Bt runs about $12 to $45 and spinosad about $15 to $25, per Lawn Love&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-organic-pest-control-options\/\">organic treatment costs<\/a> guide.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: There are different types of Bt, so make sure you buy the Bt with <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/npic.orst.edu\/factsheets\/btgen.html#howwork\">&#8220;Kurstaki&#8221; or &#8220;Aizawai&#8221;<\/a> at the end of the name.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-chemical-control-options\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"chemical-control-options\">Chemical control options<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few active ingredients to look for that will control sod webworms in your lawn:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Acephate<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Carbaryl<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Cyfluthrin<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Ethoprop<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Trichlorfon<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do not want to go to the store with a list of active ingredients in hand, keep it simple. Most insect control products at the big box stores (granular or liquid) will control sod webworms. Even if you do not see sod webworms on the front of the product, read the list of bugs on the back<strong>.<\/strong> Sod webworms are likely included in that list.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When to treat sod webworms:<\/strong> Whether you use biological or chemical solutions, try to treat early in the season, when the pests are about one-quarter inch long, for the best results. This is usually about 2 to 3 weeks after you see the moths flitting about the lawn in late spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do not catch the first generation when they are young, apply as soon as you have positively identified this bug. Sod webworms come out after the sun sets, so apply chemicals in the early evening to spray right as they come out to feed.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> Not all webworm damage requires treatment. Stronger, healthier lawns may resist and recover from damage without treatment, while lawns that are already stressed may benefit from treatment.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"3-how-to-spot-and-confirm-sod-webworms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-spot-and-confirm-sod-webworms\">How to spot and confirm sod webworms<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworm damage usually starts as small spots of browning turf that grow and coalesce as feeding continues. Patches are irregular in shape and start to thin and turn brown.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to know whether these brown patches are due to sod webworms, here are 4 ways to check:<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-1-hands-and-knees-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-hands-and-knees-test\">1. Hands and knees test<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworms feed at night, so go into the lawn around dusk. Look for an area of damaged turf, and get on your hands and knees to look through the brown grass. You may see:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Tiny worms crawling about<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Green-colored frass (excrement)<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Eggs<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, look on the blades of grass. You will see irregularly shaped bite marks on the blade with yellowing or browning where it has been chewed.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fun fact:<\/strong> Some species of sod webworm caterpillars are translucent, and if they have been munching on your grass, you will see the green foliage in their intestinal tract.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-2-drench-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-drench-test\">2. Drench test<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you cannot spot them on your hands and knees, bring them to the surface with a drench test.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;A soap flush (diluted dish soap in water poured over a marked area) brings larvae to the surface within minutes,&#8221; McGraw says. &#8220;Do this in the evening when they&#8217;re active.&#8221;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Choose an area at the edge of the damage, where healthy grass meets brown turf, since active larvae feed at the advancing margin<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Mark out an area in the lawn that is 1 square yard in size<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Add 1 ounce of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/does-dish-soap-kill-lawn-pests\/\">dish soap<\/a> to 1 gallon of water<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Pour the water over the area<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>If there are more than 15 larvae (healthy lawn) or 5 larvae (stressed turf) per square yard, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www2.ipm.ucanr.edu\/agriculture\/turfgrass\/sod-webworms\/#:~:text=Monitoring%20and%20Treatment,ones%20more%20effectively.\">consider treatment<\/a>.<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"6-3-look-for-moths\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-look-for-moths\">3. Look for moths<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not a tip on how to ID sod webworms, but it is another way to help determine if they are in your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moths are the adult version of sod webworms. If you go into the lawn in the evening and see moths flying just above the grass, that is another good indication that you have (or will have) webworms munching on your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moths release their eggs onto the grass in the early evening or late afternoon as they flit about. Within a week or so, the eggs hatch and the larvae start to feed.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note on feeding:<\/strong> Sod webworm larvae do the most damage (chomping and chewing) in their later larval stages. Damage in the earlier larval stages turns grass leaves into &#8220;leaf skeletons&#8221; and may be easy to miss.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-4-keep-an-eye-out-for-birds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-keep-an-eye-out-for-birds\">4. Keep an eye out for birds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many reasons for birds to be in your yard, but they can indicate pests like sod webworms in your lawn. If you notice more birds in your yard, especially if they land in these newly brown spots, check to see if sod webworms or another tasty insect is to blame.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"8-how-to-prevent-sod-webworms-in-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-prevent-sod-webworms-in-your-lawn\">How to prevent sod webworms in your lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preventing sod webworms or managing a small infestation is very doable. Here are a few DIY tips on how to get there:<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-proper-lawn-care\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"proper-lawn-care\">Proper lawn care<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Basic lawn care is your best friend if you need to strengthen your lawn against sod webworms or any other recurring insect issue. Sod webworms feed on warm-season and cool-season lawns (see charts below), so we will include information for both.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fertilize sparingly:<\/strong> Sod webworms and many other grass-dwelling insects love it when homeowners over-fertilize their lawns. Too much fertilization increases thatch levels (in some grasses) and provides lots of tender top growth, which insects love to munch on.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cool-season grasses<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Fertilizer (in pounds nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fine-fescue-guide\/#15-fertilization\">Fine fescue<\/a><\/td><td>1-2 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kentucky-bluegrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-5 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/perennial-ryegrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-5 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">Tall fescue<\/a><\/td><td>1-3.5 pounds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Warm-season grasses<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Fertilizer (in pounds nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bahiagrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Bahiagrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-4 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Bermudagrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-4.5 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/carpetgrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Carpetgrass<\/a><\/td><td>Optional, up to 2 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/centipedegrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Centipedegrass<\/a><\/td><td>0.5-2 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/aggieturf.tamu.edu\/texas-turfgrasses\/seashore-paspalum\/\">Seashore paspalum<\/a><\/td><td>2-4 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/st-augustinegrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/td><td>2-6 pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/zoysiagrass-guide\/#10-fertilization\">Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/td><td>0.5-2.5 pounds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration comparing healthy grass and unhealthy grass, showing thick thatch layer above soil on unhealthy side and dense roots on healthy side.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustration comparing healthy grass and unhealthy grass, showing thick thatch layer above soil on unhealthy side and dense roots on healthy side. Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Remove thatch and collect clippings:<\/strong> If you have an infestation of sod webworms, removing some of the thatch layer might help. A thatch layer over one-half inch encourages many insects, not only sod webworms.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-dethatch-lawn\/\">Dethatching your lawn<\/a> during an infestation also removes some of the eggs and larvae living on the thatch layer. Collect your clippings as you mow for the same reason.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mow at the correct height:<\/strong> Believe it or not, your grass has been bred to be cut at a certain height. Anything taller or shorter, and it will not perform at its best.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cool-season grasses<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Mowing height<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fine-fescue-guide\/#13-mowing\">Fine fescue<\/a><\/td><td>1.5-3 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kentucky-bluegrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/td><td>2-3 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/perennial-ryegrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/td><td>2-3 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">Tall fescue<\/a><\/td><td>2-4 inches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Warm-season grasses<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Mowing height<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bahiagrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">Bahiagrass<\/a><\/td><td>3-4 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">Bermudagrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-2 inches (non-hybrid varieties)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/carpetgrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">Carpetgrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-2 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/centipedegrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">Centipedegrass<\/a><\/td><td>1.5-2 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seashore paspalum<\/td><td>1-2 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/st-augustinegrass-guide\/#8-mowing\">St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/td><td>2.5-3 inches for dwarf cultivars; 3-4 inches for standard cultivars<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/zoysiagrass-guide\/#8-mowing-\">Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/td><td>1-2.5 inches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water well:<\/strong> Sod webworms congregate in dry, drought-stressed areas, so irrigation is important. Water loam and clay soils once per week with 1 to 1.5 inches of water. Sandy soils need watering two to three times per week (same total amount of water) since they do not hold water well.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-choose-resistant-grasses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"choose-resistant-grasses\">Choose resistant grasses<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umass.edu\/agriculture-food-environment\/home-lawn-garden\/fact-sheets\/endophyte-enhanced-grasses\">Endophyte-enhanced grasses<\/a>, namely certain types of perennial ryegrass and fescues, help deter sod webworms from munching on your grass. There are no Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) cultivars with endophytes, but you can overseed with either of these other cool-season grasses to give a KBG lawn greater resistance.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for warm-season grasses, here are a few St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ask.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/IN968\">cultivars<\/a> that resist sod webworm feeding:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/st-augustinegrass-south-florida-1.jpg\" alt=\"St. Augustinegrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St. Augustinegrass Photo Credit: Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>St. Augustine (moderate resistance):<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Amerishade<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Captiva<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Floratine<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>FX-10<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Winchester<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Zoysiagrass-800.jpg\" alt=\"Zoysiagrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zoysiagrass Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/CYbCAp\">Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> | Flickr | <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zoysia (high resistance):<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Cavalier<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>DALZ8501<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>JZ-1<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"11-sod-webworm-basics\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"sod-webworm-basics\">Sod webworm basics<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworms are the caterpillar or larval stage of what are commonly called &#8220;lawn moths.&#8221; It is only the caterpillar stage you need to worry about: The caterpillars munch on your grass blades, but the moth (adult) stage will not harm your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are over <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/php\/gotpests\/bugs\/documents\/sod-webworm-utah.pdf#page=1\">20 species<\/a> of these lawn-loving caterpillars, and they are found throughout the country in most cool- and warm-season grasses.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-life-cycle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"life-cycle\">Life cycle<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are four broad life stages for sod webworms:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Egg:<\/strong> Adult sod webworm moths deposit egg masses in the grass as they fly over the lawn on late spring evenings. Eggs hatch in roughly one to two weeks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Larvae:<\/strong> After hatching, small larvae start to feed on the surface of the grass blade. This &#8220;superficial&#8221; damage can be hard to spot. As larvae get older, they chomp and notch into the blade as they feed, which is much easier to see.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworm caterpillars go through several larval stages before they turn into a pupa. The entire <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/publications\/C1156\/sod-webworms-biology-and-management-in-turfgrass\/\">life cycle<\/a>, from egg to adult, takes three to seven weeks, depending on the temperature.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pupa:<\/strong> After the webworm larvae finish growing, they turn into pupae, which live in the upper thatch layer until they emerge as moths (adults).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Adult:<\/strong> Adult sod webworms, like butterflies, are no longer caterpillars but have blossomed into a completely different creature, a moth.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the species and the climate, there can be from one to four generations each year. Near the end of the season, most larvae weave a home for themselves and overwinter cozily tucked into the soil.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the arrival of spring, they emerge, feed, pupate, and turn into adults (moths) by late spring and start the life cycle over again.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-feeding-behavior\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"feeding-behavior\">Feeding behavior<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod webworms, as their name suggests, like to munch on grass. As nocturnal insects, they act like vampires, munching the life out of your lawn before sunrise.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the common cool- and warm-season grasses sod webworms munch on most often:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cool-season grasses:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Fine fescue<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Kentucky bluegrass<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Perennial ryegrass<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warm-season grasses:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>       <p>Bahiagrass<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Bermudagrass<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Carpetgrass<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Centipedegrass<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Seashore paspalum<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>St. Augustinegrass<\/p>    <\/li>    <li>       <p>Zoysiagrass<\/p>    <\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"14-size-and-appearance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"size-and-appearance\">Size and appearance<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Larvae range in size from three-quarters to 1 inch long when fully grown. Although their coloration varies by species, most have a brown head with a body color that can be translucent, beige, brown, gray, or green. Pupa cases range from tan to dark brown. The tropical sod webworm, a common species in warm climates, has a red-brown pupa case.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adult moths are a dull, light brown or buff color with a wingspan of about three-quarters to 1 inch. They have two projections that protrude from the top of their head and for this reason are sometimes called &#8220;snout moths.&#8221;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"15-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17884589230798716\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will sod webworms go away on their own?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Healthy, unstressed lawns often tolerate light feeding and bounce back without any treatment. Lawns already weakened by drought or poor care are the ones that usually need help recovering.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17884589230792136\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What time of year are sod webworms most active?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Moths appear in late spring, and the hungry larvae do their worst feeding in mid to late summer. Warm regions can see several overlapping generations, so damage can show up from summer into early fall.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17884589230796672\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does a soap drench actually kill sod webworms?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The soap drench is mainly a detection trick that irritates larvae and drives them to the surface so you can count them. It is not a reliable way to control a full infestation, so pair it with a proper treatment.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17884589230797310\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do sod webworms come back every year?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">They can. Late-season larvae overwinter in the soil and emerge the following spring, so lawns with a history of trouble may see them return. Consistent lawn care lowers the odds each year.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"16-let-lawn-love-handle-your-sod-webworm-problem\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"let-lawn-love-handle-your-sod-webworm-problem\">Let Lawn Love handle your sod webworm problem<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diagnosing brown patches, timing treatments for nighttime feeders, and keeping your grass strong enough to shrug off pests is a lot to juggle. That is where a pro comes in.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not let sod webworms mar your green expanse of lawn. Let one of <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Lawn Love&#8217;s local lawn care pros<\/a> diagnose, treat, and restore your lawn&#8217;s green hue.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Eudonia_sabulosella_28450658.jpg\">Christopher Stephens<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to get rid of sod webworms in your lawn with a simple soap drench test, proven biological and chemical treatments, plus prevention tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":10120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[147,161],"class_list":["post-10128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care","tag-pest-control"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sod-webworm_1200.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sarah Bahr","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sarah-bahr\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10128"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48880,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10128\/revisions\/48880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}