Cutworm, Grass Caterpillar, and Sod Webworm and the Recent Link with Summer Rainfall

Summer rain and high humidity each year brings an increase in various pests and diseases affecting lawns across Western Australia. Severe winds blow in the pests from Indonesia and other areas. These weather conditions create an ideal environment and opportunity for pests and diseases to cause serious damage.

One pest is cutworm (also known as sod webworm, grass caterpillar and armyworm). Its lifecycle begins with the light-coloured moth flying into the healthies yard with the greenest, juiciest lawn to deposit its eggs – the broader and greener the leaf, the better. And we are already hearing of cases in WA this year.

The lifecycle of the Cutworm moth averages around 23 days:

Cutworm can cause serious damage very quickly if not treated promptly. Its attacks are random, and only one garden in a suburb may be attacked without damage to its neighboring properties.

We have already had several confirmed cases throughout WA this year.

How to Check for Cutworm:

Check for Chew Marks in Leaves, Loss of Green Foliage

For more information on identifying and treating for Cutworm, please see our information sheet: https://greenacresturfgroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/What-is-Cutworm.pdf