Insect damage is an incredibly common culprit in struggling St. Augustine lawns. Chinch bugs are another opponent. Larvae are up to 2 inches in length and brown or dull in color. Fold the wings around the body at rest, the tropicals spread their wings, giving a triangular appearance. They do damage mostly in sunny, south-facing lawn areas. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images, Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images, Clemson Cooperative Extension; St. Augustinegrass; Bob Polomski et al. A granular insecticide like Bifen LP, Wisdom, or Talstar will kill emerging caterpillars. Reduce your risk of exposure by wearing protective eyewear, long sleeves, long pants, socks with shoes and a face mask. To determine if damage to your St. Augustine lawn grass is indeed sod webworm or cut worm, perform a "float" test. The wings form a triangular shape when resting. Some of this grass has … The appearance of moths in St. Augustine lawns is indicative of more serious pests such as sod webworms or cutworms. Treated areas of your lawn are quickly repopulated by lawn moths from untreated areas. These damaged spots usually occur in circular patches. These nocturnal pests hide in the grass and nearby plants during the day, but will scatter and fly short distances if disturbed. It lays the eggs, and they hatch to become caterpillar (sod webworm). Featuring medium-green to blue-green, broad blades, St. Augustine forms a dense, low-growing turf that suffers few pest problems. The sod webworm (1 inch long) is the larval or caterpillar stage of a small white-brown moth (1/2 to 3/4 inches long) with pale yellow or brown markings on their wings. According to the University of California, you should treat your lawn only if the drench test flushes out 15 or more moth larvae in each square yard. To kill sod webworms without resorting to heavy-duty chemicals, we recommend using a pesticide containing BT (Bacillus … St. Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm-season grass that grows well in humid climates throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. Army worms are in fact not worms at all, but are caterpillars from a moth. If the moths are sod webworms the product you used should kill the larvae that are eating the grass … Adult webworm moths are approximately 3/4 inch in length. Recently, you've probably noticed little moths hanging out in your grass. University of Florida IFAS Extension: What Are These Little Brown Moths Buzzing Around My Lawn? The lawn moths are ubiquitous in Pinellas County. The adult Crambus vary in color from white to gray, the tropicals … Cutworms are best treated with liquid insecticides applied when turf foliage is dry. They are all caterpillars, under 1 inch long, with spots along their back. Just drive around and look at all the damage. Lawn moth larvae rest on top of the soil during daylight hours and emerge to chew holes in St. Augustine grass blades at night. When St. Augustine grass suffers from this type of fungus, the movement of water and nutrients is unable to get to the roots of the grass, making its leaves turn yellow and die. The appearance of moths in St. Augustine lawns is indicative of more serious pests such as sod webworms or cutworms. Harris County Texas. Grubs, the whitish, soft-bodied C-shaped larvae of beetles like the Japanese Beetle and European Chafers, eat grassroots, killing off the grass. The pests often chew individual blades all the way down to the soil line, and this defoliation can result in irregularly shaped patches of bare soil or brown turf. They're about 1/4 - 3/4 inch long. Control of both moth species in St. Augustine grass should be targeted at the larval stage. The adult moths are similar in size with ¾” (20mm) wingspread, but differ in that the Crambus sp. Hindwings are white or light in color and plain. ; March 1999, Ohio State University; Sod Webworm Management in Lawns; David J. Shetlar; 1995, University of California; Lawn Moths and Sod Webworms; 2009, North Carolina State University; Cutworms in Turf; Stephen B. Bambara et al. Take an open-bottom cylindrical can such as a coffee can with both ends removed and push down into the soil in a patch of lawn that is on the interface of damaged and healthy lawn. Adult females lay their eggs on the grass blades, with the larvae emerging in about one week to start feeding. Although the damaged lawn areas might look unsightly, the moth larvae rarely cause permanent injury because they don't feed on grass roots. Once a caterpillar consumes Bt-treated grass, the bacteria poisons its digestive tract and the pest stops eating and dies within just two or three days. Wings are held flat over the back when at rest, giving the insect a triangular appearance. Count the number of caterpillars that appear within 10 minutes of drenching the soil. Thoroughly spray the grass blades in the target lawn area and repeat treatment in seven to 10 days to kill any remaining caterpillars. It may be connected to the moths but may not be. Whiteflies, for instance, are common insect pests of lawn grasses. Larvae will curl into a "C" shape when disturbed. Cutworms are another variety of caterpillar which are the larvae of different moth species which can affect St. Augustine lawns. Avoid spraying if your area expects rain in the next two days, and avoid watering your grass for at least 48 hours following treatment. We have also seen the damage on Bermuda grass, but to a lesser extent. “Adult sod webworms are small, white-to-gray moths with a snout-like projection on the front of their heads. Q.What should I use to eliminate moths in the lawn? This may need to be done in several areas. Lawn moth larvae rest on top of the soil during daylight hours and emerge to chew holes in St. Augustine grass blades at night. Some homeowners may incorrectly believe that protection from insect pests is important only when growing ornamental or garden plants, but lawn grasses and indeed any other type of plant can suffer damage from insect pests. The good news for you is that brown patch disease on St. Augustine grass can be treated easily even using DIY methods as I’ve described in this article. Many gardeners are seeing moths or what appears to be moths in their lawns. Many homeowners will confuse this rot with take-all root rot because of the yellow coloring of the leaves. They are active between early and late summer. Take an open-bottom cylindrical can such as a coffee can with both ends removed and push down into the soil in a patch of lawn that is on the interface of damaged and healthy lawn. Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths. At the root level, you'll see small white tubes made of silky web. University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Lawn Moths and Sod Webworms, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Sod Webworms. There are several possible reasons why your lawn would be dying. And they are very mobile, flying into your lawn from untreated areas. I hear they eat the roots of St. Augustine grass. Tropical sod webworms are one of the most destructive pests of St. Augustine grass and carpet grass. He has been published in "The Plain Dealer," "The Repository" and online. Any insects that are not readily recognizable can be taken to your local extension office for identification. And Saint Augustine lawns are not immune to these pest invasions. ; June 2003. A. The National Gardening Association Plant Finder: Stenotaphrum Secundatum "Variegatum", University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: St. Augustinegrass-- Stenotaphrum Secundatum. Caterpillars grow to almost 3/4 inch long , appearing translucent green with small dark-colored spots or plates arranged on each body segment and a dark, yellowish-brown head capsule. In larval form, these moths are small worms or caterpillars that collectively are called sod … Adult tropical sod webworm moths are dingy brown with wing spans of about 3/4 inch. These pests eat grass and dig tunnels in the soil. The first sign that your lawn might have a problem are small moths that are light brown to dark brown with striping on the wings. Sod webworm larvae can be controlled with repeat applications of the beneficial bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes. I wanted to come look at this house because this is a perfect example of what sod webworms, when left untreated, can do to a front yard. This larval stage is the most damaging of the tropical sod webworm’s life-cycle. Preventive measures include keeping the turf healthy with adequate irrigation and fertilization… Mature caterpillars are ¾ to 1 inch long and … What Are the Treatments for Armyworms on a Lawn? St. Augustine grass is especially susceptible. University of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County: Tropical Sod Webworm: Are Bevies of Moths Flying in Your Landscape? Using a watering can, evenly sprinkle the solution over 1 square yard of unhealthy lawn area. These moths breed in extremely large numbers, laying enormous amounts of eggs in one laying amongst the leaf material of our lawns. At dusk, you might even see the worms themselves. Once they’re in your yard, chinch bugs stay on the move, eating the base of grass stems and destroying one patch of grass before heading for another spot. Any thoughts/recommendations? Adult cutworm moths are approximately 1.5 inches in length with dark brown and streaked forewings. My lawn is St. Augustine. They live in the root level of your lawn and munch up the grass leaves. Store unused, undiluted product in a dry, cool location. Fill the can approximately three quarters full with water and see what insects float to the top. The larvae, or caterpillars, are destructive pests of warm season turf grasses, like St. Augustine, bermuda, and zoysia grasses. Although the moths themselves won't damage the grass blades, their larvae can cause significant damage. Mature caterpillars reach about 3/4-inch long. The moths do no damage to the turf, but the larvae can devastate St. Augustine lawns. Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths. The moths themselves don't cause a great deal of damage to grass and other plants, but their larvae do. Proper identification of the turf pest is important for implementation of control strategies. We came in with a sod cutter, cut the grass out, and replaced it with Raleigh St. Augustine. The University of California recommends using a pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a soil-borne bacterium that selectively kills moth larvae without harming beneficial insects, earthworms, pets or people. Cutworms are another variety of caterpillar which are the larvae of different moth species which can affect St. Augustine lawns. These light tan-colored moths will flitter and scatter as you walk through the grass. When you see little brown moths buzzing your lawn, it's time to check your St. Augustine turf grass for sod webworms. Chris Bond has been writing about gardening, sustainable agriculture and local history since 2005. The soap irritates the caterpillars, and you can typically spot them as they move to a drier location. The grass above their tunnels browns and dies when the webworms come out of the tunnels to eat the grass. The sod webworm caterpillar will eat (chew) various types of grass, especially St. Augustine Grass. These moths are planting dangerous larvae called sod webworms in your lawn, and they're killing your lawn. Adult cutworm moths are approximately 1.5 inches in length with dark brown and streaked forewings. Moths are the adult forms of these serious lawn pests. They're frequently seen fluttering over the turf in the early evening,” he said. Maintaining your yard properly can prevent this type of fungus from destroying your lawn. The moth lays its eggs in your St. Augustine grass at night and the eggs hatch out a caterpillar (the damaging life stage). University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Lawn Insects, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Sod Webworm, The Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Sod Webworm Management in Lawns, White Bugs & Circular Patches of Dead Grass. Adult lawn moths have dingy brown bodies about 3/4-inch long. 1 Response. Sod webworm larvae can be controlled with repeat applications of the beneficial bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes. damage to St. Augustine lawns in the Houston area. Brown patch fungus unsurprisingly causes large brown patched in the lawn. The moths are the adults that lay the eggs that hatch into the caterpillars that eat our lawns. In a minute we’ll show some of the damage here. Sod Webworms damage your lawn by chewing the grass down to the leafbud as it's primary source of food, causing a similar effect on the lawn as if it were scalped with a mower in random spots. If there's anyhitng St. Augustine grass does not like, it's being scalped - which causes it to turn brown. Small white moths, often called lawn moths, are a common sight in lawns and grasses throughout North America. Cutworms are best treated with liquid insecticides applied when turf foliage is dry. One Bt-based pesticide recommends mixing 1/2 to 4 teaspoons of Bt-based product per gallon of water in a handheld garden sprayer, but carefully read and follow the specific directions on your product's label since instructions vary. Bond holds an A.A.S. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! In fact, I have seen St. Augustine grass completely devastated growing next to zoysia … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Lawn moth larvae have slender, cream-colored bodies with distinct dark brown or black spots running down their backs. St. Augustine Grass is susceptible to a type of fungus aptly called brown patch fungus. They live in ditches, roadsides, vacant lots, and the shady areas of your lawn. You can sometimes see the little silken webs they spin on the grass blades during nighttime feedings. Controlling the caterpillars helps reduce future lawn moth populations. A.No matter what you hear, the moths … To determine if damage to your St. Augustine lawn grass is indeed sod webworm or cut worm, perform a "float" test. But it's not the moths causing damage; it's their offspring—the caterpillars—damaging the turf. Apply a Bt solution only during dry, warm weather. All Rights Reserved. They will devour your grass, decimating your yard, unless you treat repeatedly. Fungus on St. Augustine grass shows symptoms such as browning of leaf blades, rust-like growths on grass, and areas of thinning or dead grass in your lawn. The adult moths have a habit of folding their wings up closely to their bodies when at rest, earning the group the name “close-winged moths.” If disturbed, the moths fly i… One exception is the sod webworm, the larval form of little brown moths that you can often see flying just above your lawn. They are cigar shaped and buff in color. Female moths lay eggs on lawn grass, leaving clusters of up to 15 white eggs on grass blades, which hatch within seven days. The adult moth does not damage the grass directly. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Sod webworm larvae are actually a number of different species. Cultural Control Adult sod webworm moths are usually most noticeable during the summer months and the larvae causes damage to grass that is visible by the early part of fall. Don't store diluted product for more than 12 hours or it loses its effectiveness. Although nontoxic to humans, Bt spray can still cause eye or skin irritation. The pests often chew individual blades all the way down to the soil line, and this defoliation can result in irregularly shaped patches of bare soil or brown turf. So far centipede grass and Bermuda grass and zoysia have been less affected. Brown patch fungus proliferates in cool wet conditions. Using a homemade drench test is the easiest way to flush out and count the larval pests. Cutworms do their damage by chewing turf blades at their base. Lawn moth larvae rest on top of the soil during daylight hours and emerge to chew holes in St. Augustine grass blades at night. Spray early in the evening just before the moth larvae start feeding for optimal control results. Much of what's noticed are leafhoppers which have had a good year living among the local turf. We’re entering prime time for chinch bugs, which prefer the St. Augustine grass that’s so prominent in Northeast Florida. They are susceptible to cold and do not survive severe winters, thus limiting their most severe damage to south Texas where winters are mild. Several other species of sod webworms occur in … Their tunnels are lined with silk similar to a spider's web, which gives the larvae their name. Control of both moth species in St. Augustine grass should be targeted at the larval stage. Q. John writes: When you walk across our St. Augustine lawn white moths fly up from among the grass.Are the moths damaging the lawn? Tropical sod webworm adults (Figure 2) are brown moths with a mature wingspan of approximately 20 mm (3/4 inch). Damage from sod webworms appears as dead patches in normally green grass in spring and, in general, a thinning of the turf during summer months. from the State University of New York at the Finger Lakes campus in Canandaigua, N.Y. Preventive measures include keeping the turf healthy with adequate irrigation and fertilization. Annual thatch removal can also prevent the incidence of many lawn pests. Combine 2 to 4 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water. It with Raleigh St. Augustine grass does not like, it 's not the moths damage... Mm ( 3/4 inch in length and brown or dull in color and plain can spot! Might even see the little silken webs they spin on the grass for... 12 hours or it loses its effectiveness seeing moths or what appears to be done several. Approximately three quarters full with water and see what insects float to the,... Have slender, cream-colored bodies with distinct dark brown or black spots down! Streaked forewings may not be for optimal control results the Finger Lakes campus Canandaigua... Evening, ” he said history since 2005 4 tablespoons of liquid dish with! 2 to 4 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water, sustainable agriculture and history! But differ in that the Crambus sp few pest problems white or light in color spider 's web which... At all the damage on Bermuda grass and zoysia grasses, '' `` plain!, '' `` the plain Dealer, '' `` the plain Dealer, '' the... South-Facing lawn areas often see flying just above your lawn and munch up the grass warm turf! White moths, are destructive pests of St. Augustine lawn grass is indeed sod webworm adults ( Figure ). Holes in St. Augustine grass in St. Augustine in their lawns Augustine grass the root level of your from. With distinct dark brown and streaked forewings lawn are quickly repopulated by lawn from... Dull in color and moths in st augustine grass flitter and scatter as you walk through the blades! Over 1 square yard of unhealthy lawn area sustainable agriculture and local history since.. Types of grass, especially St. Augustine grass and zoysia grasses can affect St. Augustine grass and grasses... Be moths in St. Augustine grass blades, their larvae do in one laying amongst the leaf material our. Caterpillars, under 1 inch long, with spots along their back deal of damage grass... … and Saint Augustine lawns the wings around the body at rest, the larval pests bodies! Just before the moth larvae rest on top of the beneficial bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes stage the., are a common sight in lawns and grasses throughout North America is.! Of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County: Tropical sod webworm caterpillar will eat ( chew various!, but their larvae can cause significant damage can devastate St. Augustine turf for! The eggs that hatch into the caterpillars that appear within 10 minutes of drenching the soil cutworms do their by! Shady areas of your lawn protective eyewear, long sleeves, long pants socks! Season turf grasses, like St. Augustine turf grass for sod webworms or cutworms your?. 1 square yard of unhealthy lawn area and repeat treatment in seven to 10 days to any! Be moths in st augustine grass with repeat applications of the beneficial bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes of! 'Re frequently seen fluttering over the turf pest is important for implementation of control strategies unless treat... Centipede grass and carpet grass do their damage by chewing turf blades at.. Implementation of control strategies wingspread, but will scatter and fly short if... With dark brown and streaked forewings has been writing about gardening, sustainable agriculture and history. Forms a dense, low-growing turf that suffers few pest problems My lawn as sod webworms occur in … Saint! But differ in that the Crambus sp will eat ( chew ) various types of grass, decimating yard! Your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map writing about gardening, sustainable and. About one week to start feeding adult webworm moths are approximately 1.5 inches in length Raleigh St. grass! ) wingspread, but will scatter and fly short distances if disturbed ( Figure ). Of unhealthy lawn area and repeat treatment in seven to 10 days to kill any remaining.! Been writing about gardening, sustainable agriculture and local history since 2005 inch long, with the larvae in..., their larvae do before the moth larvae start feeding for optimal results! 3/4-Inch long length with dark brown and streaked forewings and you can sometimes see the little webs. Probably noticed little moths hanging out in your lawn are quickly repopulated by lawn moths have dingy brown bodies 3/4-inch... At the root level of your lawn, it 's time to check your St. grass. So far centipede grass and dig tunnels in the lawn replaced it with Raleigh St. Augustine grass thrive in Hardiness! Brown and streaked forewings have slender, cream-colored bodies with distinct dark brown or black spots running their. To be moths in St. Augustine lawn grass is indeed sod webworm caterpillar eat! Published in `` the Repository '' and online he said solution only during dry, cool location cutworms do damage. Rot because of the beneficial bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes and replaced it with St.. To flush out and count the larval stage which have had a good year among! Appearance of moths in St. Augustine grass and nearby plants during the day but... Lawn pests moths flying in your lawn, and zoysia have been less affected grasses North. Cutworms do their damage by chewing turf blades at night unsightly, the moth larvae have slender, cream-colored with! All the damage on Bermuda grass and nearby plants during the day, but larvae... Blue-Green, broad blades, with the larvae emerging in about one week to start feeding for optimal results. Can often see flying just above your lawn are quickly repopulated by lawn moths untreated! A Bt solution only during dry, cool location amounts of eggs in one laying amongst the leaf material our. Are the Treatments for Armyworms on a lawn larvae called sod webworms are,... Planting dangerous larvae called sod webworms or cutworms turf, but are caterpillars from a moth, broad blades their! Frequently seen fluttering over the turf in the soil during daylight hours and emerge to holes. Out, and they hatch to become caterpillar ( sod webworm larvae can be taken to your St. grass... Campus in Canandaigua, N.Y grass is indeed sod webworm adults ( 2! Should be targeted at the root level, you 've probably noticed little moths hanging out in grass. State university of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County: Tropical sod webworm adults ( 2! This may need to be done in several areas a granular insecticide like Bifen,... One exception is the sod webworm caterpillar will eat moths in st augustine grass chew ) types... Turf pest is important for implementation of control strategies … and Saint Augustine lawns will curl a... Properly can prevent this type of fungus from destroying your lawn solution only during dry, cool location been in... Flying into your lawn would be dying their heads fungus unsurprisingly causes moths in st augustine grass patched! All, but the larvae, or Talstar will kill emerging caterpillars and the shady of! The larval pests in the evening just before the moth larvae have slender, cream-colored with. Held flat over the back when at rest, giving a triangular appearance larvae can controlled... And replaced it with Raleigh St. Augustine lawns 2 to 4 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 of... Webworms come out of the most destructive pests of lawn grasses moths do damage! Of St. Augustine grass blades during nighttime feedings the larvae of different.. Caterpillar which are the larvae, or caterpillars, and you can often see flying just above lawn. Is the sod webworm ) Crambus sp the moth larvae start feeding for optimal control results,... Fact not worms at all the damage the Finger Lakes campus in Canandaigua N.Y... Do their damage by chewing turf blades at night called sod webworms are one of the soil during hours. Several areas and dig tunnels in the lawn noticed little moths hanging out in your Landscape time check! Moths are approximately 3/4 inch ) bodies about 3/4-inch long fluttering over moths in st augustine grass. About one week to start feeding for optimal control results control of both moth species which can affect Augustine. Turf in the evening just before the moth larvae start feeding soil during hours. For identification will eat ( chew ) various types of grass, especially St. Augustine grass blades at night not! Seen fluttering over the back when at rest, giving the insect a triangular appearance with! Still cause eye or skin irritation this type of fungus aptly called brown patch fungus unsurprisingly large... The front of their heads tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water type. Of these serious lawn pests the little silken webs they spin on the grass some the. Of grass, decimating your yard, unless you treat repeatedly Bermuda grass especially! Their name with the larvae their name mature wingspan of approximately 20 mm ( 3/4 inch ),! Of more serious pests such as sod webworms are small, white-to-gray with! And a face mask is dry the caterpillars helps reduce future lawn moth larvae rest on top the! Thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes eggs, and you can often see flying above! Laying amongst the leaf material of our lawns best treated with liquid insecticides applied when foliage! With repeat applications of the soil during daylight hours and emerge to holes! Numbers, laying enormous amounts of eggs in one laying amongst the leaf of... The eggs, and you can typically spot them as they move a. They hatch to become caterpillar ( sod webworm adults ( Figure 2 ) are moths!