Armyworm, Grass Caterpillar, and Sod Webworm | How to Identify and Treat

Armyworm, Grass Caterpillar, and Sod Webworm and the Recent Link with Summer Wind & Rainfall

Summer rain and high humidity in parts of Western Australia 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 armyworm (also known as sod webworm, and grass caterpillar). Its lifecycle begins with the 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 Armyworm moth averages around 30 days and the female moths lay their eggs over a 2 week period.

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.