Lawn Moths And Sod Webworm Control

This time of year, I get a lot of questions about the white moths in lawns across the Midwest. When you walk across the lawn, you will see the moths zipping and zinging up and around and then landing back in the grass. These white moths are an annoyance, but are they also a problem?

White Lawn Moths – Sod Webworms

The moths just happen to be the adult phase of the sodwebworm. Sod webworm larvae can and do damage turf if their numbers get out of hand. You will find sod web worm damage in lawns starting in the late spring, but really, the grass is growing so fast at that time of year, you rarely can notice it.

The damage comes in June, July and August when the webworms have regenerated and are feeding on heat stressed turf. Sod webworm damage has a irregular pattern to it, just like the pictures you see below. (click to see larger)

Webworm Damage

severe sod webworm damage

Notice how the patterns are really of no definition. The dead areas are surrounded by healthy turf. This is a photo I took of sod webworm damage in a lawn in Indiana.

Now, sodwebworm will usually be found infesting sunny areas of the lawn, and especially on slopes that get direct afternoon sun. I have, however, this season found them in shaded areas. In fact, this year has been the worst I have ever see for sod webworms in the Midwest.

What is the Best Sod Webworm Control??

There are many general insecticides that will control sodwebworms, but if you have an issue, you need a fast acting control and liquid insect treatments are the best in my opinon because they kill on contact. Remember, we are not concerned with the moths themselves as they are just annoying… it is the larvae feeding on the grass that we wanna kill… but the liquid treatments below will kill sod webworm adults and larvae! Perfect!

Bayer 700230A PowerForce Multi-Purpose Insect Killer Ready-to-Spray - 32 oz.