Does your lawn have uneven patches of yellow grass, even though you water correctly? Your lawn might have a sod webworm infestation. Sod webworms are a type of grub that can damage the lawn quickly, so it’s vital to identify and eliminate them as soon as possible. Read on to learn how to get rid of sod webworms and other grubs.
How to identify sod webworm
Sod webworms are tiny and cream-colored with gray dots and a brown head. They are the larvae of small moths that lay their eggs in the grass. Larvae hide in tunnels in the thatch layer, then they emerge to eat the base of the grass blades until they grow large enough to become adult moths. Adults do not eat the grass blades—only larvae cause the damage you’ll see on lawns.
Sod webworm lifecycle
This type of grub goes through two generations each year. In spring, larvae that spent the winter hiding in the soil and thatch emerge to start eating the base of the grass blades. This generation matures into moths by early summer and starts the second generation, which consumes the grass blades in late summer and early fall.
Signs of sod webworm damage
Sod webworm, like many other grubs, causes yellow splotches on the grass. You’ll see a few green grass blades poking through the dead areas, and you might be able to lift the grass to reveal that the grubs have separated the roots from the grass blades. Birds like to eat sod webworms, so if you see a lot of birds near your lawn, it could be a sign of an infestation.
Unlike cranberry girdler, sod webworm eats the base of the grass blades instead of the roots. Because the roots remain intact, the grass can recover from a sod webworm attack in 4 – 6 weeks. However, you should still try to get rid of sod webworm as soon as you start to notice damaged areas because grub attacks can leave the lawn vulnerable to other issues and over time cause irreparable damage.
How to get rid of sod webworm
If you keep your lawn healthy through proper watering and fertilizing throughout the year, your lawn is much less likely to suffer from a sod webworm infestation. However, infestations can still happen, and when they do, the most effective way to get rid of grubs is with grub control treatments.
Our lawn program includes spot treatments for grubs at no extra charge. As soon as you notice signs of grubs, call our office at 801-226-2261 so we can apply the treatment. The sooner you tackle a grub problem, the better because they can damage lawns very quickly. Call or text the number listed above for a free lawn service quote today!