Sod Webworm Identification in Florida

Sod webworms are the larvae of small, brownish-gray moths that belong to the family Pyralidae. This family includes the pyralid moths, also called snout moths and grass moths. 

Sod Webworms are named because of the damage they cause. Their larvae especially love to feed on grassy areas, including the beautiful lawns of South Florida. They’re most common year-round in Florida, especially in the hotter months of the year.

As adult moths lay their eggs on the grass, their eggs hatch, and then the larvae start feeding on the grass blades. The damage is easy to overlook in the beginning since they only feed on the tops of the grass blades, but eventually, the lawn will become thin and patchy.

The best way to control sod webworms is to keep your lawn watered, fertilized, and mowed. Natural insecticides can also be beneficial. If you want to avoid using products, nematodes can reduce the sod webworm population by living in the soil and killing the webworms. 

To control sod webworms, it is important to maintain a healthy lawn by watering and fertilizing regularly and mowing at the appropriate height. Since they prefer dry lawns, you want to pay extra attention to the frequency you water your lawn. Water your lawn enough, but don’t overwater - too much water can attract lawn fungi and other lawn pests.

If you’ve tried everything to get rid of sod webworms in your yard and you’re stumped, don’t fret - Native Pest Management is equipped to get rid of these pesky worms for good, starting with a free lawn inspection. Give us a call today!