The tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis) is among the most problematic lawn pests found in the Fort Myers area and throughout most of the southeastern United States. Sod webworms prefer consuming St. Augustine grass, Bermuda grass, Bahia grass, and several others. While sod webworms are typically most active in the spring and summer months, they often plague homeowners all year long across this region.
Are you wondering how to treat sod webworms that exist throughout your yard? For safe and effective pest control in Fort Myers, homeowners should choose a local professional. Providers of home and yard pest control employ a properly trained staff that understands how to expel sod webworms and knows the best ways of preventing them from returning to the premises.
Signs And Symptoms Of Sod Webworms
Brownish sod webworm moths or “lawn moths” will hover and deposit eggs in the grass. The moths are usually visible as they fly away from the grass when someone approaches them. Greenish sod webworm larvae (caterpillars) measuring up to one inch long emerge from the eggs and begin consuming the turfgrass. In most cases, people detect the damage these pests create before seeing the caterpillars themselves.
Sod Webworms Can Wreak Havoc On Your Lawn
Sod webworms in Fort Myers primarily attack the surface portion of the leaf tissue, which results in visible damage as the grass withers and brown patches appear. Once sod webworms begin eating a part of the lawn, significant damage can happen in only a few days.
Causes For Sod Webworm Infestations
Property owners seeking answers regarding how to prevent sod webworms should understand the various causes of the unwanted creatures. Some of the common causes include:
- Unhealthy, poorly-maintained lawns are more likely to endure damage from tropical sod webworms.
- Excessive amounts of nitrogen that result from overfertilizing often generate a thick layer of thatch, which creates an ideal environment for these pests.
- Failing to mow the grass regularly or cutting the grass too short both increase the likelihood of having problems with these pests.
Each year in Fort Myers, too many individuals try do-it-yourself home treatment options. In their marketing efforts, many of the manufacturers of these products use exaggerated claims of effectiveness. Weeks or months later, many homeowners find that their pest-related problems still exist and experience frustration. The best course of action involves seeking assistance from a local team of qualified turf pest control professionals.
Call The Pros At The First Sign Of Sod Webworms
Are you noticing signs of sod webworm damage on your Fort Myers property? Consider speaking with an experienced professional that provides effective sod webworm treatment options.
Coastal Lawn and Pest is a family-owned provider of professional pest control and lawn care services for residential and commercial customers in Fort Myers. As a local-based organization, we understand the importance of functioning in a safe and eco-friendly manner that protects our customers, their household pets, and the physical environment. Our service technicians will visit the property and perform a diligent assessment of the premises as needed for developing a truly customized treatment plan.
We currently offer ongoing residential pest control service plans for our customers that include either bi-monthly or quarterly treatment visits. Our year-round treatment plans include creating a perimeter of protection around the property’s exterior, spider web removal, rodent monitoring, and a host of other effective services.
Our company also offers ongoing lawn treatment plans for residential customers that involve treatment visits every 30 or 45 days. During these visits, our experienced technician will promote lawn growth using a spray application and also inspect and treat the turf for unwanted lawn pests and prevent types of diseases.
For additional information about our services, contact our office today.