Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also peak season for pesky pests. One of the most annoying (and potentially damaging) lawn pests is the moth. At first, you might see them flying around your porch light or flitting about in the garden. Their zigzag pattern is a telltale sign that these are no friendly butterflies. You may be wondering, ‘how do i get rid of moths in my lawn?’
At first, they might not seem like much of a problem. But if left unchecked, moths can lay eggs on your lawn that will hatch and turn into larvae. These larvae will feast on your grass, causing brown patches and bare spots. In extreme cases, an infestation can kill your entire lawn.
If you’re among the unlucky few who have found moths wreaking havoc on your lawn, don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
How Do I Get Rid of Moths on My Lawn?
First and foremost, let’s identify what you have in your yard. While there are many different types of moths, the most common ones known to wreak havoc are the adult forms of sod webworms. Sod webworms are commonly found in lawns, and their larvae are what cause all the damage. Approximately half an inch long, these tiny larvae stay underground and emerge during the late spring.
Other moths that you may find flying around your garden are lawn moths and grass moths. Lawn moths are white, while grass moths are more of a brown color.
While the adult forms of these moths don’t cause much damage, they hatch eggs that do. Lawn moths can lay up to 12 eggs more than once a year. And they do it on your grass blades! Grass moths, on the other hand, don’t lay as many eggs, but they can do it up to three times in a season. They like staying in damp and moist areas to lay their eggs, so they’re commonly found near sprinklers or rain gutters.
Don’t despair – if you feel like you’re the only one dealing with moths, you’re not. These occurrences happen all over the country, and there are plenty of effective solutions to get rid of them.
Use an Insecticide with Reliable Formulation
The best way to get rid of all types of moths is to treat your yard with an insecticide. While it’s tempting to pick up the first insecticide you see at the store, it’s important to choose one with a reliable formulation. A good quality insecticide will contain ingredients like lambda-cyhalothrin or bifenthrin which are known to be effective against moths and their larvae.
Ideally, you’d want to get one that’s ready to spray. That way, you can easily and evenly apply it over your entire lawn. If you have a large yard, getting a backpack sprayer would be the best option, so you don’t have to lug around a heavy tank.
Another thing to keep in mind is that most insecticides only work for about six weeks. So if you’re dealing with a particularly bad infestation, you might need to reapply it every few weeks.
As with any type of pesticide, follow the instructions on the label to avoid harming yourself, your family, or your pets.
Handpick Them If You Have a Small Lawn
You can try handpicking the larvae if you only have a small lawn. While it may not be the most pleasant task, it can be effective if you do it regularly. You’ll need to keep an eye out for brown patches or dead spots on your lawn. These are usually indications that there are larvae underneath.
To handpick them, use a small spade or trowel to dig around the affected area. Once you’ve found the larvae, place them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can also try using a stiff broom to sweep them into a dustpan.
Be sure to do this regularly, especially during the height of the season, which is usually from late spring to early summer.
Introduce Natural Predators
Another way to get rid of moths is to introduce their natural predators into your yard. Birds, in particular, are known to be effective at getting rid of larvae.
You can attract birds by putting up a bird feeder or birdbath in your yard. Make sure to put it in a spot that’s away from any trees or bushes, so the birds feel safe while they’re feeding.
For Smaller Infestations, Use Soap and Water Mixture
As soon as you see brown patches or dead spots on your lawn, mix up a soap and water solution. This will kill the larvae on contact. To make the mixture, add a tablespoon of dish soap to a gallon of water. Once you’ve mixed it well, pour it into a spray bottle and generously mist the affected areas.
Take note that this method only works for small infestations. If you have a larger problem, it’s best to use an insecticide.
How Do I Get Rid of Moths in my Lawn: Final Thoughts
Getting rid of your moth problem is best done during their early stages – when they’re eggs. They start to get destructive once they turn into larvae and start eating your grass. Unfortunately, some lawn owners may not even notice the early signs of an infestation until it’s too late.
But don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways to get rid of them. Be sure to act quickly and use an insecticide with a reliable formulation for the best results. In terms of prevention, ensure you practice proper lawn maintenance and care, so you can avoid having to deal with them in the first place.
Related Article: Where Do Tomato Hornworms Go During the Day?