Fall Alert: Sod Webworms in Manatee County

As fall settles in across Manatee County, many homeowners notice brown, thinning patches spreading through their lawns. The likely culprit? Tropical sod webworms — tiny caterpillars that love warm, humid weather and feed on our favorite grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia.

Why They Show Up Now

Sod webworms thrive in late summer through fall, when nights are still warm, but lawns are a bit stressed from the long Florida heat. They feed at night and hide during the day, so damage often appears suddenly — almost like your lawn was mowed unevenly overnight.

What to Look For

Small brown moths flutter over the grass at dusk.
Jagged or “chewed” edges on grass blades.
Thin, patchy, or brown areas that spread quickly.
Greenish caterpillars near the soil (use a soapy water flush to check).

How to Control Them

Keep lawns healthy – mow at the right height, water deeply but not too often, and avoid heavy fall fertilizing.
Inspect regularly – check for moths or larvae in the evening.
Treat quickly – if confirmed, use a product labeled for sod webworms (apply in the evening when they feed).
Help grass recover – light fertilization and steady watering will encourage regrowth once the pests are gone.

The Bottom Line

Sod webworms love Manatee County’s mild fall weather, but early detection makes all the difference. A little vigilance now means a greener, stronger lawn comes spring.