Grass Looking a Little Brown? The Sod Webworm Could Be Your Culprit
Have you heard of tropical sod webworms before? These pests aren’t well-known, but they’re actually quite common in lawns in the Southeast. They’re responsible for the ugly browning Floridians see on their lawns in the middle of summer. The Orlando lawn care professionals at Apex want to help you protect your lawn from these pests.
Identifying Sod Webworm Problems
If you see moths scattering as you walk across your grass, sod webworms could be present. The larvae and caterpillars of the species are bad news for your lawn. They feast on the tops of your grass blades. This makes your grass look like it’s been cut unevenly. The lighter, shorter patches of grass will stand out when you look at your lawn.
As the larvae grow, they start eating more and more grass. This makes the damage more noticeable. Severe infestations can result in unsightly yellow and brown patches on your lawn. This also gives weeds the opportunity to move into your lawn.
Causes of Sod Webworm Problems
The main cause of sod webworm infestations is using too much fertilizer on your lawn. While you might think more is better when it comes to fertilizer, you can have too much of a good thing. Proper fertilization can make your lawn healthier and less susceptible to sod webworms.
To discourage sod webworms from thriving, follow proper lawncare practices. Water your lawn infrequently and deeply, and mow your lawn regularly. These habits help keep your lawn healthy and strong.
Managing Sod Webworms
Prevention tips don’t do much good if you already have a sod webworm problem. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to get rid of these pests. Lawn care professionals can apply chemical insecticides to the lawn to control the larval stages of the sod webworms.
With good lawn care practices, damaged lawns usually recover quickly. Keep your grass watered, and mow it regularly, and your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood in no time.
Sod webworms can cause big problems for Florida lawns. If you need help preventing or treating them, the Orlando lawn care professionals at Apex can help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your lawn in tip-top shape!
