The meadow moth is a small dirty white butterfly with a length of 1 to 2 cm. She walks over lawns at night in spring and summer to lay her eggs. The sod webworm is harmless to turf in its adult stage. It is the larvae of the sod webworm that are the most damaging, as they feed on the stem and roots of the grass, causing damage similar to a lack of water.
One of the first signs of sod webworm damage is discoloration of the lawn in the fall. The larvae feed primarily on the upper parts of grass blades, leaving behind yellowed or browned areas. These discolored areas may become more pronounced as the infestation progresses, forming scattered spots throughout the lawn.
In addition to discoloration, sod webworm larvae can also cut grass blades at the base, leaving areas of lawn that appear cut or damaged. These affected areas may appear uneven or bare, compromising the aesthetic appearance of the lawn. The particularity of this damage is that the lawn can be lifted without any resistance at the roots. These larvae can destroy an entire lawn in a short time.
Sod webworm damage can also lead to a decline in the overall health of the lawn. An affected lawn may exhibit reduced growth, weakened grass density and an overall unattractive appearance. Damaged areas can also become more susceptible to disease and weeds, which can lead to continued lawn deterioration if proper control measures are not taken.
Several methods can be used to control sod webworm. This includes promoting cultural practices that strengthen the overall health of the lawn, such as watering, proper fertilization and lawn aeration. However, managing sod webworm in lawns often involves the use of targeted pest control methods, such as the use of biological or chemical insecticides.
In summary, the sod webworm is a common pest that can cause significant damage to lawns. Monitoring your lawn carefully and acting quickly if larvae or damage is detected can help minimize sod webworm damage and maintain the health of your lawn.
