Pest Control Services

Sod Webworm Treatments

by LawnWorks

LawnWorks

Stop Sod Webworms from Ruining Your Lawn

LawnWorks provides expert identification and treatment for sod webworms in the Southwest Chicago suburbs

Sod webworms may be small, but the damage they leave behind can be massive. These turf-damaging caterpillars live in the thatch layer of your lawn and feed on grass blades, especially during the summer months. Homeowners often mistake their damage for drought stress or a general decline in turf health. Meanwhile, the real problem hides just beneath the surface.

At LawnWorks, we understand the lifecycle of sod webworms and know how to manage them at every stage. Whether you are dealing with active damage or want to prevent future outbreaks, our team offers customized lawn pest control solutions that are safe, effective, and tailored to your lawn.

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What Are Sod Webworms?

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Sod webworms are the larval stage of lawn moths. These moths, often referred to as turf moths, lay their eggs on the lawn during the summer. When the larvae hatch, they feed on grass blades at night and retreat to silk-lined tunnels during the day. Left untreated, they can cause extensive damage to cool-season grasses common in our area, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.

The adult moths are light tan or buff-colored and are commonly seen flying in a zig-zag pattern across lawns at dusk. Their sudden appearance is often the first sign of a potential problem.

If you notice a population of them in conjunction with some browning grass, you may have a webworm infestation.

How to Recognize Sod Webworm Damage

Sod webworm damage tends to show up as small, irregular brown patches in the lawn, which grow larger as feeding continues. Webworms chew down on the grass blades overnight, leaving a grazed appearance in the brown areas. Damage is most severe during hot, dry weather, when lawns are already stressed.

Look for these signs:

Brown or thinning patches of grass
Silk-like tunnels in the thatch layer
Increased moth activity during the early evening hours
More birds than usual pecking at your lawn, searching for larvae

If you are seeing these symptoms, it may be time to call in a professional for inspection and treatment.

Many times, a diagnosis is confirmed solely by symptoms and not actually identifying the larva itself.

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How LawnWorks Treats Sod Webworms

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Our lawn care professionals use integrated pest management to treat sod webworms effectively. This means we evaluate the level of infestation and recommend a treatment strategy that balances turf health, environmental safety, and effectiveness. With closer inspection, you may notice small pupa shells and small piles of green frass (insect feces).

When infestation levels are low, proper watering, mowing, and fertility may be enough to help your lawn recover on its own.
When populations are high, curative insecticide treatments may be necessary to stop the damage quickly. These treatments are applied at the most effective times to target the larvae while minimizing the impact on beneficial insects.

Once the infestation is under control, LawnWorks can help restore the lawn through overseeding and aeration to repair thin or bare areas.

Lifecycle and Behavior of Sod Webworms

Understanding the lifecycle of these pests is key to stopping them. The moths lay eggs in mid to late summer, which hatch into larvae within a week. These larvae are the ones that do the damage. They feed at night, hiding in their protective tunnels during the day. Depending on weather conditions, sod webworms may produce multiple generations each year.

Our technicians are trained to spot these patterns early, which helps us treat your lawn before the damage becomes widespread.

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Why LawnWorks Is the Right Choice

Choosing LawnWorks means choosing a lawn care company that understands the specific pest pressures of the Southwest Chicago suburbs. Our treatments are applied by trained professionals using the safest and most effective methods available. We take the guesswork out of lawn pest control, giving you more time to enjoy your yard.

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If your lawn is showing signs of sod webworm activity, do not wait. The sooner you address the problem, the better your lawn can recover.

We proudly serve homeowners in New Lenox, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Mokena, Lockport, and surrounding areas. Trust LawnWorks to identify the issue, treat the infestation, and restore your lawn’s health.

Schedule your pest inspection today and take back your lawn with LawnWorks.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sod Webworms

What do sod webworms look like?

Sod webworms are small caterpillars that can grow up to three-quarters of an inch in length. They vary in color from green to brown and have dark heads and tiny spots along their bodies. Adult lawn moths are buff-colored and often fly low across the lawn at dusk.

When are sod webworms most active in Illinois?

Sod webworms are most active during the summer and early fall. Moths begin laying eggs in mid to late summer. The larvae feed throughout the season, especially during warm, dry weather.

How can I tell if sod webworms are damaging my lawn?

Look for brown or thinning patches in the lawn, usually in sunny areas. You may also find silk-lined tunnels in the thatch or notice birds pecking more than usual. If you see small moths flying across your lawn at dusk, this can also indicate their presence.

Do sod webworms require professional treatment?

Not always. In minor cases, a healthy lawn may recover on its own with proper watering and maintenance. However, when damage is severe or spreading quickly, professional treatment is often needed to prevent long-term harm.

Will the treatments harm beneficial insects or pets?

Our pest control applications are targeted and applied according to safety guidelines. We aim to minimize any impact on beneficial insects and follow best practices to ensure the safety of children and pets.

Can I prevent sod webworms from coming back?

Yes. Keeping your lawn healthy through proper mowing, watering, fertilizing, and thatch control helps prevent future outbreaks. LawnWorks also offers preventive lawn pest control programs that monitor and treat emerging threats before they cause damage.