If your once green lawn is suddenly looking brown, patchy, or just plain tired, it may not be the heat, or even disease, that’s to blame. It could be a small but mighty pest with a big appetite: the Sod Webworm.
At Consolidated Pest Control, we’ve seen the damage these sneaky invaders can cause to Central Florida lawns, especially those planted with St. Augustine grass. If you’re noticing unusual lawn damage, here’s what you need to know about Sod Webworms and how to stop them in their tracks.
What Are Sod Webworms?
Sod webworms are the larval stage of a moth, most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. While the adult moths are harmless, the larvae; tiny, greenish-brown caterpillars, are the real culprits. They live in the thatch layer of your lawn and feed at night, chewing off grass blades near the soil line.
Their stealthy behavior and nocturnal feeding habits make them difficult to spot, until the damage becomes obvious.
Signs You Have Sod Webworms
Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:
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Irregular brown patches of grass that seem to appear overnight
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Chewed or notched grass blades, especially close to the crown
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Increased bird activity, particularly early in the morning (they’re hunting larvae)
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Silky webbing in the thatch layer near the soil surface (a hallmark of the pest)
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Small tan moths flitting across your lawn at dusk, this indicates adult activity and possible egg laying
If left untreated, Sod Webworm damage can escalate quickly, particularly in hot, dry weather when your grass is already stressed.
Why Sod Webworms Love Central Florida
Central Florida’s warm climate and abundant St. Augustine grass create an ideal environment for Sod Webworms to thrive. The long growing season allows multiple generations of moths to hatch, lay eggs, and repeat the cycle, sometimes up to three or four times per year.
Plus, many homeowners unknowingly create the perfect conditions for infestation by:
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Overwatering or overfertilizing (which encourages fast, tender growth)
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Letting thatch accumulate unchecked
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Skipping routine lawn inspections
How to Prevent a Sod Webworm Infestation
Prevention is always easier than treatment. To protect your lawn, follow these best practices:
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Mow regularly and keep your grass at the recommended height (for St. Augustine, 3.5–4 inches)
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Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization during peak moth season (late spring through early fall)
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Dethatch and aerate annually to reduce the layer where webworms hide
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Water deeply but infrequently to discourage lush, vulnerable growth
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Inspect your lawn regularly, especially during the warm months, and look for early signs of damage
If you suspect an infestation, act fast. Sod Webworms can destroy large sections of turf before you even see the moths.
Treatment: How We Stop Sod Webworms
If Sod Webworms have already made themselves at home in your lawn, don’t worry, Consolidated Pest Control has you covered.
Our licensed technicians apply targeted insecticide treatments that eliminate larvae in the thatch layer while minimizing risk to beneficial insects. We also monitor for signs of reinfestation and adjust treatment frequency based on your lawn’s specific conditions.
For homeowners looking for long-term peace of mind, our Lawn & Shrub Health Program offers seasonal pest control that includes proactive protection against sod webworms, chinch bugs, armyworms, and other common Central Florida turf pests.
Don’t Let Webworms Wreck Your Lawn
Sod Webworms may be small, but the damage they leave behind is anything but. If you’re noticing signs of stress in your lawn or suspect webworm activity, let Consolidated Pest Control take a closer look.
We offer free lawn inspections, expert guidance, and proven treatment plans to help your St. Augustine grass bounce back, stronger and greener than ever.
