Oct 14 2009
The War Against Sod Webworms
How do you know that sod webworms have already found their way right into your garden? The thing is, you may never know until it is already too late and they have done their damage. The good thing though is that they may have done damage but not really enough. When you start to notice brown spots, try to work it with some water. If that does not go away, you have to look forward to meeting some sod webworms.
First off, you should know what they are. The thing about this insect is that they are not the ones with creepy fangs or things like that. In fact, you will usually see them as worms. They can be beige or brown or gray or green in color and they have these four rows of brown spots that you would see right by their stomach. Sod webworms are not even big. They grow to be about three quarters of an inch long and that is not much really. You can never be afraid of them. But your lawn or your garden will definitely be.
Would you fear a worm more over an insect that flies? For most, they would fear an insect that flies. But if you own a lawn, fear the worm even more. The sod webworm grows wings in adulthood but the one that flies does not harm your lawn. Those small critters do. They thrive on the roots of the grass and even on the crown. When those parts are damaged, the blades turn brown and the grass dies. Try to pull out the grass and you will not have to break into a sweat because it would then pull out easily and in one large piece.
As part of your preparation for the battle for the ownership of your lawn, you should be prepared. Experts on sod webworms say that you get some insecticide. I say find an insecticide that is harsh on the webworms but gentle on your lawn.
With that insecticide, start applying it on the brown patches because that is where you will the insects. Then after seven days, check on the spots. If you still see signs of the insects, add insecticide again. Do this until you see them no more. Your lawn will heal by itself. Just wait and see.
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