The moths are ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ inch long and have a prominent snout. The forewings are brown or dull ash gray with a whitish streak from the base to the margin; the hind wings are brownish. When at rest, the moths fold their wings closely. Their tiny, oblong eggs are white to pale yellow. Most sod webworms vary from pinkish to yellowish to light brown. They become ⁵⁄₈ to 1 inch long with thick bodies, coarse hairs, and spots on each segment. The head is yellowish brown to black. Individual caterpillars often assume a C-shape. The reddish-brown pupae are oblong and ³⁄₈ to ¹⁄₂ inch long.

Many species of sod webworms occur in the United States. The actual species present in any given area, however, is variable. Sod webworms feed on lawns, golf course grasses, some clovers, corn, tobacco, bluegrass, timothy, as well as pasture and field grasses. They usually favor bluegrass and 'Tifdwarf' hybrid bermudagrass but attack most grasses. Larvae cut off grass blades just above the thatch line, pull them into their tunnels and eat them. The injury appears as small brown patches of closely cropped grass. Where many larvae are present, patches merge into large, irregular brown patches.

Webworms overwinter as young larvae in silk-lined tubes a few centimeters below the soil line among the roots of weeds and grasses. During early spring, larvae feed on the upper root systems, stems and blades of grass. They build protective silken webs, usually on steep slopes and in sunny areas, where they feed and develop. In early May, they pupate in underground cocoons made of silk, bits of plants and soil. About two weeks later, adults emerge. Beginning in May, moth flights may occur until October. The moths, erratic and weak fliers, live only a few days and feed solely on dew. Active at dusk, moths rest near the ground in the grass by day. Presence of moths indicates a possible infestation of larvae. The eggs are laid indiscriminately over the grass and hatch in 7 to 10 days. Young larvae immediately begin to feed (mostly at night) and construct silken tunnels. The most severe damage occurs in July and August.

Most sod webworms complete two or three generations each year. About six weeks elapse between egg deposition and adult emergence. Infestations in lawns can be detected by applying 1 tablespoon of pyrethrin insecticide or 1 ounce of soap in 1 gallon of water per square yard. Sod webworms will surface among the blades within a few minutes at the border between living and dead areas of turf. If three or four webworms are found in a square foot, control is recommended. Because birds and other predators are not reliable in giving acceptable control, it is sometimes necessary to use chemicals to protect fine turf from further damage. Apply one of the suggested chemicals to the lawn but do not water it in. Use 6 gallons of spray mix per 1000 square feet except where noted. It is best to treat in the late afternoon as sod webworms feed in the evening.

Recommendations for insecticides approved for control of these insects in home lawns can be found under sod webworms in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

• Natural Organic Lawn Care. Martin, J. C. et al. No Date. Ohioline, Ohio State University Extension publication HYG-4031.
• Turfgrass - Sod Webworms. Anonymous, No Date. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Entomology.
• 2018 Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers. Bowman, D. et al. 2017. NC State Extension Publication AG-408. 81 pp.
• Extension Plant Pathology Publications and Factsheets
• Horticultural Science Publications
• North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual

For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local Cooperative Extension Center