What is a primary sign of sod webworm damage in turf?

What is a primary sign of sod webworm damage in turf?

• A. Chewed or ragged leaf blades with frass at the base and patches of thinning turf, especially noticeable in evening or early morning
• B. Patches of yellowing turf with thinning roots
• C. Thatch buildup without leaf feeding
• D. Uniform color change across the lawn

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is recognizing the specific feeding signs of sod webworm on turf. These caterpillars chew on the leaf blades, leaving ragged, chewed edges. A key clue is the frass—the tiny brown pellets of the larvae—accumulating at the base of the grass blades. Together with patches of thinning turf, this pattern is classic for sod webworms. Because the larvae feed mainly at night, you’ll often notice more damage in the evening or early morning when the grass has been attacked but hasn’t yet recovered. Other signs described don’t match this pest’s typical damage. Yellowing turf with thinning roots points to root problems, drought stress, or diseases rather than leaf-chewing by sod webworms. Thatch buildup without leaf feeding suggests a thatch issue or other factors, not active pest feeding. A uniform color change across the lawn is usually due to environmental or nutrient problems rather than localized caterpillar feeding.

The main idea here is recognizing the specific feeding signs of sod webworm on turf. These caterpillars chew on the leaf blades, leaving ragged, chewed edges. A key clue is the frass—the tiny brown pellets of the larvae—accumulating at the base of the grass blades. Together with patches of thinning turf, this pattern is classic for sod webworms. Because the larvae feed mainly at night, you’ll often notice more damage in the evening or early morning when the grass has been attacked but hasn’t yet recovered.

Other signs described don’t match this pest’s typical damage. Yellowing turf with thinning roots points to root problems, drought stress, or diseases rather than leaf-chewing by sod webworms. Thatch buildup without leaf feeding suggests a thatch issue or other factors, not active pest feeding. A uniform color change across the lawn is usually due to environmental or nutrient problems rather than localized caterpillar feeding.