Which timing is effective for insecticide applications to control sod webworms?

Which timing is effective for insecticide applications to control sod webworms?

• A. Spring and early summer to control overwintered larvae; late June/early September after adults seen.
• B. Winter is best.
• C. Summer only.
• D. Any time as soon as you see damage.

Answer: (A)

Timing insecticide applications to target the vulnerable life stages of sod webworms is the key to effective control. The overwintered larvae become active in spring, are small, and are easier to kill, so spraying then helps reduce the initial population before damage builds. Later in the season, adults emerge and lay eggs that hatch into another generation; by monitoring for adult activity and applying after you see adults, you intercept the newly hatched larvae and limit late-season damage (typically around late June to early September). Winter sprays are ineffective because the pests are dormant and turf isn’t actively growing; spraying only in summer misses the early, more vulnerable stage of the overwintered generation; and spraying at any time isn’t aligned with the larvae’s susceptibility. Target these two windows—spring for overwintered larvae and after adults are observed for the next generation—for best control.

Timing insecticide applications to target the vulnerable life stages of sod webworms is the key to effective control. The overwintered larvae become active in spring, are small, and are easier to kill, so spraying then helps reduce the initial population before damage builds. Later in the season, adults emerge and lay eggs that hatch into another generation; by monitoring for adult activity and applying after you see adults, you intercept the newly hatched larvae and limit late-season damage (typically around late June to early September). Winter sprays are ineffective because the pests are dormant and turf isn’t actively growing; spraying only in summer misses the early, more vulnerable stage of the overwintered generation; and spraying at any time isn’t aligned with the larvae’s susceptibility. Target these two windows—spring for overwintered larvae and after adults are observed for the next generation—for best control.