Sod Webworm

What it looks like

Grass blades look clipped just above the thatch layer, with small ragged brown patches that can grow together into bigger dead areas under heavy pressure. The caterpillars feed at night, so you often won't see them during the day. A soapy-water flush at dusk or after dark is the best way to confirm they're there.

Often mistaken for: Other lawn caterpillar or grub damage, or drought stress

When it shows up in the Triangle

Adults are active from May through October, with the worst damage usually showing up in July and August. There can be two to three generations in a single season, and it only takes about six weeks for eggs to become adults.

Where you’ll see it

Home lawns and commercial turf.

What you can do

• Keep thatch buildup in check so larvae have fewer places to hide
• Check for activity at dusk or at night with a soapy-water flush, since daytime checks can miss them
• Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum spraying so birds and other natural predators can help keep numbers down
• Keep the lawn healthy with good mowing and watering habits so it can recover faster from feeding damage