How to Identify and Treat Sod Webworms in North Texas
Sod webworms may be small, but they can cause big problems for homeowners, especially if you don’t have professional lawn care services in place. In North Texas, these turf-feeding caterpillars can rapidly destroy healthy grass, leaving behind unsightly brown patches and stressed turf. So if your lawn looks patchy despite regular upkeep, sod webworms could be the reason. At Green Top Lawn Care we offer expert solutions tailored to North Texas lawns, addressing the unique challenges of local soil, climate and pests, including sod webworms.
What Are Sod Webworms?
Sod webworms are the larvae of small brown moths that thrive in the warm climate of North Texas. These caterpillars hide in the thatch during the day and come out at dusk to feed on your grass blades. While adult moths don’t cause harm, the larvae are fast eaters, capable of damaging large sections of turf in just a few days.
These larvae are tan to green in color with dark spots, and typically measure between one-half to three-quarters of an inch long. When they burrow into your turf they spin silk-like tunnels for shelter, making them difficult to detect without a professional lawn inspection.
How to Identify Sod Webworm Damage in North Texas
Homeowners in areas across North Texas may notice their lawns developing irregular patches of dry, brown grass. These signs often appear first in open, sunlit areas of the yard. Upon closer inspection, the tips of the grass blades may appear frayed or cut off. You might even see birds pecking at the lawn, often a sign that they’re actively hunting the larvae beneath the surface. If you’re seeing any of these red flags, it may be time to explore targeted turf insect control to prevent the damage from spreading.
In Euless and similar cities with dense neighborhoods, you may also notice moths flying low over your yard at dusk. These are adult sod webworm moths laying eggs. If you lift a small section of sod, you may even find delicate silk webbing in the thatch, a strong indicator that these pests have made your lawn their home.
Sod Webworm Treatment Options for North Texas Lawns
Once sod webworms have established themselves in a lawn, prompt and effective treatment is crucial. Thankfully, homeowners throughout North Texas have several reliable options to stop these pests in their tracks.
Apply Targeted Insecticides – Products containing bifenthrin, carbaryl, or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) are highly effective against sod webworms. BT is especially popular for its safety around children and pets.
Time Applications for Peak Effectiveness – Treatments should be applied in the late afternoon or early evening, as the larvae are actively feeding at this time. Lightly watering the lawn before application can help bring the caterpillars to the surface for better contact.
Consider Biological Controls – In areas like Frisco and Lewisville, where many homeowners prefer eco-conscious solutions, beneficial nematodes and natural predators can help reduce webworm populations without chemicals.
Practice Preventative Lawn Care – Keep grass mowed to the appropriate height, reduce excess thatch, and feed your lawn seasonally. Healthy turf is actually more resistant to damage, and recovers faster from pest activity.
Leave It to the Professionals – Partnering with a trusted provider like Green Top Lawn Care ensures accurate diagnosis, proper application and long-term protection. Our North Texas-based team knows exactly how to handle local pests and restore your lawn fast.
Together, these steps form a comprehensive approach to protecting your lawn from sod webworms and ensuring it stays lush, green and resilient throughout the North Texas growing season.
Schedule Your North Texas Sod Webworm Treatment Today
Don’t let sod webworms turn your lawn into a patchy mess. If you live in North Texas, Green Top Lawn Care is ready to help. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free quote today.
