The transition to spring has brought warmer temperatures and above-normal rainfall, signaling the beginning of the growing season. Recent assessments during USGA Course Consulting Service visits across the Southeast have revealed the early emergence of two notorious pests – mole crickets and sod webworms. These critters are posing a significant threat to golf courses, even before the growing season is entirely underway. Here are the symptoms or signs that indicate the presence of these damaging pests as well as some control options for each.
Mole Crickets
Signs and Symptoms
Tunneling and root damage: Mole crickets burrow beneath the soil surface, creating extensive tunnel systems as they feed on roots and organic matter. These tunnels can disrupt the integrity of the playing surface, causing it to become spongy and uneven underfoot. Mole cricket burrowing can result in unsightly areas of turfgrass decline and weakened root systems.
Surface mounding: In severe infestations, mole crickets may push up mounds of soil as they excavate their tunnels, altering the topography of the playing surfaces and creating hazards for players and maintenance equipment alike.
Control
Short-residual products such as acephate and Advion bait provide effective contact control of mole crickets. Biological control agents are also an option, including the nematode Steinernema scapterisci, Larra wasps and Brazilian red-eyed flies. With mole crickets, it’s also important to know which variety you have to properly select and time control methods.
Sod Webworms
Signs and Symptoms
Irregular brown patches: Sod webworm larvae feed primarily on the foliage of turfgrass, resulting in irregularly shaped brown patches across the golf course. These patches may initially be small but can quickly expand as the larvae continue to feed.
Thinning and scalping: Sod webworm feeding can cause grass blades to become thin, ragged and discolored, giving the affected areas a weakened and sparse appearance. In severe cases, the turfgrass may be so heavily damaged that it looks scalped.
Presence of silk webbing: Sod webworm larvae construct silk webbing on the surface of the turfgrass, which serves as a protective shelter and feeding site. The presence of this webbing, particularly in conjunction with damaged areas of grass, is a telltale sign of a sod webworm infestation.
Control
Long-term control can be achieved with Acelepryn and short-term control is possible with products such as acephate and Provaunt.
Scouting throughout the golf course, especially early in the morning, is essential. This proactive approach enables early detection of potential issues before they escalate and cause significant damage. Employing soap flushes to detect insects like mole crickets and sod webworms is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of scouting for pests.
By implementing these strategies and remaining diligent in pest detection and control efforts, golf course superintendents can mitigate the impact of mole crickets and sod webworms, preserving the health and aesthetics of the turfgrass for the busy spring golf season ahead. For more information on managing these pests, check out the following resources:
- Biology and Control of Mole Crickets - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
- Sod Webworm - NC State Extension
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Chris Hartwiger, director, Agronomy – chartwiger@usga.org
Jordan Booth, Ph.D., senior director, USGA Course Consulting Service – jbooth@usga.org
John Rowland, Ph.D., agronomist – jrowland@usga.org
Chris Neff, agronomist – cneff@usga.org