Whiteflies in lawn? - Ask Extension
When mowing our lawn, we witnessed a lot of small, white moth-like insects flying out from our lawn. Could these be whiteflies, and should I be concer...
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Whiteflies in lawn? #872345
Asked June 10, 2024, 1:36 AM EDT
When mowing our lawn, we witnessed a lot of small, white moth-like insects flying out from our lawn. Could these be whiteflies, and should I be concerned?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Robert,
These are likely sod webworms, but rarely are their populations high enough to warrant control or cause damage your turf.
If your lawn is properly watered and fertilized, it will be able to withstand any damage/feeding caused by the larvae.
It's important to determine the threshold of injury tolerance. When infestations are suspected, it is important to confirm the presence of sod webworm before treating. To do this, one to two fluid ounces of liquid dishwashing soap should be mixed with one gallon of water and poured evenly over one square yard of turf. Webworms will rise to the surface within 10 minutes. When 15 or more webworm larvae are present per square yard in healthy turf, or when 5 webworm larvae are present on stressed turf, then insecticidal applications should be considered.
However, improving cultural conditions (proper water, fertilizer) is a more important step in control than using insecticides. Also, many brown spots can be caused by inefficient irrigation too, so rule this out as a potential cause.
These are likely sod webworms, but rarely are their populations high enough to warrant control or cause damage your turf.
If your lawn is properly watered and fertilized, it will be able to withstand any damage/feeding caused by the larvae.
It's important to determine the threshold of injury tolerance. When infestations are suspected, it is important to confirm the presence of sod webworm before treating. To do this, one to two fluid ounces of liquid dishwashing soap should be mixed with one gallon of water and poured evenly over one square yard of turf. Webworms will rise to the surface within 10 minutes. When 15 or more webworm larvae are present per square yard in healthy turf, or when 5 webworm larvae are present on stressed turf, then insecticidal applications should be considered.
However, improving cultural conditions (proper water, fertilizer) is a more important step in control than using insecticides. Also, many brown spots can be caused by inefficient irrigation too, so rule this out as a potential cause.
