Sod webworms will feed on all of our warm season turf grasses. Augustine grass, carpet grass, bermuda grass, and zoysia grass. They overwinter as larvae in their final or penultimate instar in the thatch or soil. Adult activity occurs most often during the early hours of night.
Sod webworm control how to get rid of sod webworms in. Tropical sod webworm florida master gardener volunteer. But you also may use insecticides that contain bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium that only kills caterpillars. In 34 days the eggs hatch and mature from prepupal to pupal through six phases in 2147 days. The native species in the genus crambus are widespread, whereas the tropical sod webworm, herpetogramma. Damage first becomes apparent in spring or early summer as small, dead patches of grass in an otherwise healthy lawn. Females deposit eggs on grass blades in the evening, and eggs hatch in 3 to 4 days. Larval feeding damage reduces turfgrass aesthetics, vigor, photosynthesis and density. Compost leaf mold or happy frog soil conditioner 2.
Areas of injury are usually spotty at first but can quickly grow in size as caterpillars migrate outward in search of food. Turf and landscape plants have different water, fertilizer. Sod webworms are the larval stage of a group of moths that can cause considerable turf damage in lawns. Several other species of sod webworms occur in texas, mainly from the genus, crambus. Tropical sod webworms ufifas extension pinellas county. Sod webworms are a lawn pest which lives in turf and eats grass. This larval stage is the most damaging of the tropical sod webworms lifecycle. Aug 22, 2016 sod webworms will feed on all of our warm season turf grasses. When mature the adults become a slender bodied moth with a wingspan of 2.
Sod webworms affect different species of turfgrass, specifically those that survive in the warm season. Adult sod webworms, sometimes referred to as lawn moths are buffcolored, about 12 to 34 inches long with snoutlike projections extending forward from the head. They are not picky on the grass they destroy, but pay close attention to these telltale signs of webworm damage in your lawn. The general thinning of turf is often times not associated with sod webworm activity, and thus, goes undiagnosed. Adult moths are dingy brown moths with wing spans of about 34 inch. Preventing sod webworms can be difficult but you can prevent extensive damage it is tough to prevent the webworm moths from laying eggs in your lawn, especially if there were already worms present in late summer or early fall, since the second generation of worms overwinters in the soil, or goes deep underground to hibernate, and return to the. Tropical sod webworms harris county horticulture blog. If you care for a healthy lawn in the houston area, you need to know how to kill sod webworms. Learn what steps to take to prevent sod webworm damage with our sod webworm prevention guide. Aug 30, 2016 if three to four sod webworm larvae are found within a 6inchsquare section of dying sod, then chemical treatment is recommended. Also known as turf webworms, sod webworms are the larval or caterpillar stage of the small whitebrown moth. The sod webworm can be a destructive insect, particularly on lawns or in parks.
It is important to follow ufifas guidelines for home lawn management. However, the two most common species that attack coolseason turfgrass are the bluegrass and the larger, sod webworm. Aerate the lawn to reduce thatch and improve water penetration. In fact the adults dont eat but its their young, small caterpillar larvae which do all the damage. In studying tropical sod webworms, uf entomology graduate student ethan doherty sees the important role citizen scientists can play in his research. Sod webworm larvae caterpillars are gray to tan with small dark spots on the. Sod webworms can be serious pests for your lawnand because of the summer rains and heat, the most severe damage usually occurs now youve worked hard to grow the kind of turf that makes your neighbors turn green with envy and then they show up. This caterpillar is 125 in when hatched and grows to.
Mature sod webworms are 34 to 1 long and grayishgreen in color. They chew grass blades off just above the thatch line, and are mainly active at. One exception is the sod webworm, the larval form of little brown moths that you can often see flying just above your lawn. Often mistaken for drought stress, webwormrelated patches actually do cause the most damage during a drought. Photos for figures 1a and 3 provided by ufifas extension publication. Tropical sod webworm gardening solutions university of.
It can be hand picked and destroyed to ensure control. Over watering and fertilization can increase the amount of thatch. Sod webworms are difficult to control because of their spontaneity. The name webworm is derived from the insects habit of lining its tunnel with silklike material that they produce. White grubs are the larvae of various types of scarab or chafer beetles. The adult moth is brown and has wings that fold beneath the body. The adult moths have a habit of folding their wings up closely to their bodies when at rest, earning the group the name closewinged moths.
Sod webworm control in gulf coast lawns edited by marv keenan, ph. Sod webworm damage the adult sod webworm is a moth which likes to live its life in and around grass yards. Sod webworms can destroy your lawn in a short time, and they target the wellfertilized, healthy grass in newlylaid sod over the grass in the rest of your lawn. The variety that has first generation larva in early spring cause the most problems in turf grass as they are only the first wave of feeding worms. Tall fescue, though often attacked, usually out grows the damage. Some species do so as mature or nearly mature larvae, while others overwinter as small larvae. There are numerous species of sod webworms in the united states. Mix liquid soap and water at a rate of one tablespoon of soap to one gallon of water and drench the soil at the edge of the damaged area if damage is already apparent or wherever you suspect a. Jun 22, 2017 mature sod webworms are 34 to 1 long and grayishgreen in color. Larvae are distinguished by the different patterns of plates panicula on their thoracic segments.
They tend to prefer areas that are hot and dry with small amounts of shade. The patches start out small and grow to the size of a baseball, but with extensive damage, they can merge together to form large areas of dead grass. Sod webworms leave irregular patches of brown grass cut off close to the ground. The institute of food and agricultural sciences ifas is an equal opportunity institution. Webworm damage is particularly severe in droughty conditions, in. Our program is built on more than simply pest control, its built to make your. Sod webworms are a serious pest of turfgrass in georgia. Healthy lawnsmanage pests, lawn moths and sod webworms. Soap flush is a technique to survey for some lawn insects, including sod webworms. Edis electronic data information source of ufifas extension. Sod webworms have a bivoltine life cycle with four stages. Sod webworm lawn recovery plants for all seasons since. Sod webworms often invade grassy areas throughout the united states and in southern areas of canada. Damage from these lawninvading pests happens quickly seemingly overnight and can be similar in.
Caterpillars tend to be more of a problem in lawn fertilized heavily in late summer. Some of the most common hosts include centipede grass, bermuda grass, st. How to kill sod webworms in houston lawns pearland sugar. The adult stage of the tropical sod webworm is a tan moth with a 34 to 1 wingspan. Sod webworm damage we see webworms in all kinds of grass st. Predatory nematodes, insecticidal soaps, and pyrethrins are also effective. Among the more important turfgrassinfesting species are those belonging to the genus crambus. Get free shipping on qualified sod webworms products or buy online pick up in store today. Mix two ounces of liquid dishwashing soap in two gallons of water and apply with a sprinkling can to a four square foot area of injured turf. Sod webworms in turf plant disease diagnostics clinic. Augustinegrass diversity affects the development of tropical sod webworm tsww caterpillars. Tropical sod webworms are part of a pest complex of warm season turf caterpillars in florida that. The forewings are brown or dull ash gray and have a whitish streak from the base to the margin.
There are many species of sod webworms, but they all generally look the same. They cause the most damage during the middle of the summer season. Sod webworms may be lurking in your lawn tallahassee. He is also looking into the moths distribution throughout florida. How to keep sod webworms out of your yard sod webworm. Tropical sod webworms are part of a pest complex of warm season turf caterpillars in florida that include fall armyworm spodoptera frugiperda, striped grass loopers mocis spp. Wings are held flat over the back when at rest, giving the insect a triangular appearance. There are quite a few pests and diseases that can damage your florida lawn, and tropical sod webworm herpetogramma phaeopteralis is one of those pests. Tropical sod webworm, herpetogramma phaeopteralis guenee, larvae are among. During the day, they burrow into the thatch or soil.
Small brown spots slowly begin to appear on grass infested by sod webworms, but as the climate gets warmer and drier, the spots rapidly begin to grow and intersect. Several species of caterpillars are called sod webworms and in the larval stage they can be highly destructive pests of lawns. Often mistaken for drought stress, webwormrelated patches actually do. They are pale brown with a distinct snout like projection on the head. Sod webworm control is focused on the larva and not the adult moths. Sod webworms are highly destructive pests of lawns, and are also important pests of athletic fields, cemeteries, golf courses, and parks. I just picked up a bag of winterizer lawn fertilizer 5020 containing bifenthrin, an insecticide, from my local independent garden center. Aug 12, 2010 tropical sod webworm is an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis. Sod webworms begin to show in florida lawns around june. The truth about sod webworms and armyworms pure green. Lauderdale research and education center, cooperative. Augustinegrass, these very hungry caterpillars also munch on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. They are about 1 inch long in this stage and can be found munching on blades of grass in a yard. Tropical sod webworms develop through six larval instars, prepupal and pupal stages over 21 to 47 days, depending on temperature.
Adult tropical sod webworms have been observed feeding on nectar sources sourakov 2008. Moths and saint augustine grass home guides sf gate. Sod webworm adult webworm moths are about mm to 19 mm long, with a wingspread of 25. Sod webworms oklahoma state university turfgrass science. Sod webworms larvae feed off of warm season sod turfgrass though out the southeast and particularly on newly established turfgrass and sod installations. It is tough to prevent the webworm moths from laying eggs in your lawn, but there are a couple things you can do to help prevent extensive damage to your yard. In this video, houston grass south owner michael romine talks about identifying and controlling sod webworms and army worms. There are several products including synthetic pyrethroids and the organic product spinosad that are effective in controlling tropical sod webworms. Its important to be able to identify this lawn pest so you can control them effectively. Webworm lawn damage is most significant in cool season turf grass.
Jul 19, 2017 what to do to start the recovery process in your lawn once you have had damage from sod webworms. Sod webworms can be controlled with the same insecticides as the other lawn insects. However, kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues are the ones typically showing the most damage. They have an egg stage, larval stage several, pupal stage, and adult stage. The first generation of eggs is laid in june, with larvae appearing in june and lasting until july. What to do to start the recovery process in your lawn once you have had damage from sod webworms. Control and guarantee against lawndamaging insects such as chinch bugs and webworms. Florida yards and neighborhoods is the residential program of the florida. They usually dont destroy turf unless infestations are severe, but even minor infestations can cause problems for lawns that are already stressed by hot, dry weather. Webworms feed primarily at night and remain in a curled position near the soil surface during the day.
These sod webworms can be distinguished in the adult stage by the way the moths roll their wings around their bodies when at rest rather than holding them out. These tiny pests are the larvae of an unassuming small brown moth. The spots, bristles, and smaller, more slender size. Sep 15, 2017 what treatment is best to kill sod webworms in houston area lawns. Turfgrass sod webworms the sod webworm complex family pyralidae is a large group of insects consisting of over 20 species that infest turfgrasses in the united states. Gainesville lawn pest control includes prevention and control of chinch bugs, sod webworms. Sod webworm control how to get rid of sod webworms in lawns. Sod webworm caterpillars, like armyworms and cutworms, also feed at night. Adults are dingy brown moths with a wingspan of about 34 the larvae feed on grass blades and noticeable injury appears within two weeks. Several generations of tropical sod webworms can occur during the year but it is generally the late summer to fall generations that are the most numerous and damaging to our lawns. Doug caldwell how to identify sod webworm in your florida lawn. Safe solutions bt for sod webworm native nurseries. Sod webworm control must focus on the larva, not the adult moths. The larvae feed on grass blades and noticeable injury appears within two weeks.
Tropical sod webworm larvae are destructive pests of warm season turfgrasses in the. The type of grub that infests your lawn depends on where you. This is a caterpillar of a moth that will feed on your turf and many other plants in the landscape. Sod webworms are notorious for invading lawns and damaging turf and plants. By midsummer, large sections of the lawn may be destroyed by the sod webworm caterpillars, which prefer sunny areas.
Tropical sod webworms active in local lawns ufifas. You will need about 1 cu ft for every 3 sq ft area you are top dressing. Tropical sod webworm herpetogramma phaeopteralis guenee insecta. University of floridaifas extension service and the florida department of. Bt is the preferred biological control of sod webworms. Tropical sod webworm larvae are destructive pests of warm season turfgrasses in the southeastern u. Adults are dingy brown moths with a wingspan of about 34. Tropical sod webworms in lawns do extensive damage in warm, tropical or subtropical climates. However, in the lawn they hide in the thatch during the heat of the day. How to get rid of sod webworms starting with natural solutions. The most damaging stage of the tropical sod webworm is the larval stage, which we all know as the caterpillar. The caterpillars live in silklined tunnels constructed in the thatch near the soil surface. They feed at night and then curl up and hide on the soil surface during the day.
Augustine grass, bahia grass, and zoysia grass, among others. What treatment is best to kill sod webworms in houston area lawns. There are several species of sod webworms, some of which only have one generation in mid to late summer and do not cause much damage. They chew grass blades off just above the thatch line, and are mainly active at night. This pest feeds on all types of warm season turf and grasses.
Sod webworm in denver lawns mountain high savatree. Caterpillars grow to almost 34 inch long, appearing translucent green with small darkcolored spots or plates arranged on. Sod webworm is a relatively think caterpillar up to 25mm long with a pale greenbrown body that is marked with characteristic dark spots along its length. Sod webworms overwinter as larvae in the thatch or soil. Older larvae cut off grass completely and form tunnels of silk in the grass. The larval feeding causes dead brown patches in lawns, which may have difficulty recovering. The sod webworm 1 inch long is the larval or caterpillar stage of a small whitebrown moth 12 to 34 inches long with pale yellow or brown markings on their wings. Flight activity of tropical sod webworms lepidoptera. Tropical sod webworms are one of the most destructive pests of st. University cooperative extension program, and boards of. You may very well find sod webworms, silken webs or frass worm poopits surprisingly large. The female moth will lay 1035 tiny overlapping oval eggs on the upper part of a blade of grass. At rest, they fold their wings around the body, giving them a cylindrical or cigarshaped appearance. Moths emerge during late spring or early summer, depending on species.
For small or isolated areas in the lawn apply the compost of your choice natures way leaf mold or foxfarms soil conditioner by pouring the bag out in the area damaged by the sod webworms. Your turf may be playing host to tropical sod webworms. Sod webworm lawn recovery plants for all seasons since 1973. With the coming of warmer weather, the larvae will pupate, and moths will appear in late spring or early summer. University of florida, ifas extension document fe 632. But, turfgrass breeding programs usually place emphasis on esthetic traits and. The larvae of this pest are legless and pinkishwhite, yellowish, or light brown. This technique is a good way to identify sod webworms. Sod webworms appear to feed on all the common grasses. Winds of adult moths are rolled up over the abdomen when at rest. Our program is built on more than simply pest control, its built to make your lawn healthy. Economic impacts of the turfgrass and lawncare industry in the united states. Tropical sod webworm is an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis.
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