Sod Webworms? Eagle Lawn Care and Pest Control Has You Covered

Lawn Moths Can Wreck Your Lawn—Let Us Stop Them Before They Start

On warm Florida evenings, do you ever see small, tan-colored moths fluttering in a zigzag pattern across your lawn? These "lawn moths" are a sign that sod webworms may be active—and that your turf could be at risk.

At Eagle Lawn Care and Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and eliminating sod webworm infestations before they cause major damage. If you’re noticing brown patches or ragged grass blades, call our team today at 727-953-8180 for fast, effective treatment.

What Are Sod Webworms?

Sod webworms are actually the larvae (caterpillar stage) of small lawn moths. These moths lay eggs across your lawn, which hatch into hungry caterpillars that feed on grass blades—usually at night. Over time, this feeding causes uneven patches, jagged grass, and large brown areas that can spread quickly if not treated.

Adult moths are not harmful themselves, but they are a clear warning sign. After mating, females drop dozens of tiny eggs across the lawn while in flight. Once the larvae hatch, they begin feeding almost immediately. In Florida’s warm climate, sod webworms can complete several generations in one year, making them a year-round threat in Pinellas County Florida.

Common Signs of Sod Webworm Damage

Sod webworms often go undetected until the damage is already done. Our lawn care specialists look for key indicators, including:

  • Brown or thinning patches in your lawn
  • Grass blades with ragged or chewed edges
  • Silken tunnels at the base of the grass (especially visible in morning dew)
  • Increased bird activity as they feed on the larvae
  • Small moths flying low across the grass around dusk

Some damage may look similar to drought stress or pet urine burns, but sod webworms are the true cause in many cases.

When and How They Feed

Sod webworms are night feeders, chewing away at the tips of grass blades while hiding in silken tunnels during the day. Their favorite grasses include:

  • St. Augustine
  • Bermudagrass
  • Bahia grass

Because they don’t damage the roots or stems, your lawn can recover—but only if the infestation is caught and treated early.

How We Treat Sod Webworms

At Eagle Lawn Care and Pest Control, we don’t just treat pests—we solve the root of the problem with precision and care. Here’s how we handle sod webworm infestations:

1. Detailed Lawn Inspection

We identify active feeding zones, webworm signs, and any turf stress indicators.

2. Evening Insecticide Application

Treatments are timed for dusk when the larvae are feeding for maximum effectiveness.

3. Ongoing Monitoring

We revisit and assess after treatment to ensure pests don’t return.

4. Preventive Lawn Practices

We help you with best practices for mowing, watering, and overall lawn health to prevent future outbreaks.

We also use techniques like the soap flush test and morning dew inspections to detect sod webworm activity.

Trust the Local Experts in Tampa Bay

With Florida’s year-round growing season and warm nights, sod webworms are a recurring challenge. But you don’t have to face them alone. At Eagle Lawn Care and Pest Control, we’ve helped homeowners across the Bay area keep their lawns green, thick, and pest-free—with quick service and lasting results.

  • Fast response times
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Professional, courteous technicians
  • Decades of Florida-specific lawn care experience

Schedule Your Free Lawn Evaluation Today

If you think sod webworms are damaging your lawn—or you want to protect it before they show up—call Eagle Lawn Care and Pest Control now at 727-953-8180. Our licensed technicians will inspect your lawn, recommend a treatment plan, and help you restore your lawn to full health.