There were hundreds of these worms all over the road. Where did they come from? What are they? Well, the second question is easier to answer-- my guess was a Sod Webworm so I conferred with a fellow Master Gardener who knows his 'bugs'. Yes, Sod Webworm. Thanks Vincent!
With all these worms all over the road one would think there would be a lot of birds arriving for a big meal...but none were in sight. A mystery. Perhaps the worms are not tasty, have a toxin or something? Time for research! Since I live in South Carolina, the best place for information is the
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| A sod webworm adult. Note the characteristic snout-like projection from the head. Photo: Purdue University Entomology Department |
I know many are leery of using products on their lawn to eliminate insects, I understand that. These are Extension recommendations for turf management. After seeing so many of these worms all over the road I will be keeping my eyes open for infestation in my yard. I tried to circle three of the worms in the road....there were webworms every 6 to 12 inches for the width of the road and for about one hundred feet. Lucky for me right now, they were a good way down the road from my house.
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words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.
Maybe those are on the meadow menu! Flocks of birds peck at our grass this time of year. Never knew what was going on out there--always assumed earthworms.
ReplyDeleteWe're getting much needed rain here.
It will be scary to see too many worms around. Hopefully nature will balance things out.....
ReplyDeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know about these worms is this. They are a favorite food of moles, bad news for the lawn. Get rid of the sod webworms get rid of the moles. Good luck and I hope they stay away.
I went for a run this morning and noticed a lot of worms. Thankfully they were just earthworms fushed out by yesterdays rain, but I will be paying more attention now that I know what to look for.
ReplyDeleteYuck! That is a bad pest. Hopefully the birds will arrive soon.
ReplyDeleteAnything brown and squirmy gets a thumbs down for me. Good for the local birds, though!
ReplyDeleteFreda, maybe!! We have big flocks this time of year as well, hope they are after the sod webworms.
ReplyDeleteBangchik, it was kind of strange to see so many. I have seen earthworms after a rain, but never these. thanks for stopping by, long time no see.
Randy, We have some mole activity in the back yard, I know moles like lots of different 'worms'. I hope these sod webworms stay away too.
Gardening Under the Influence, yes, I have seen a lot of earthworms, this is new to me.
Tina, hahah yes, yuck indeed.
Rosey, thumbs down, yes.
Hello Janet -
ReplyDeleteI saw your Sod Webworms. It's amazing the differences in the insect population from region to region. I am unfamiliar with those critters and they appear kind of creepy.
Here in east central New York State we have earthworms -sometimes called night crawlers. It's what we typically use on a fish hook. They do come out in droves when it rains. So do the frogs -and they always try and cross the road for some reason.
The crows clean up the mess the next day.
My compliments on your great looking blog. I, too, like trees. Every one is unique. I don't do much photography. You do a nice job with your camera.
I'll check back soon to see what you're up to. BTW, have you moved yet? And been crowned in your new locale?
If not, how about "Queen of All I Survey?" :)
Dave from Home and Garden 911 dot com
PS M. Doke is a pen name I use on another site. I used it here to sign into Blogger. Hope you don't mind.
Monroe (dave), thanks! We have nightcrawlers too. I remember gathering them as a child for fishing. East New York? Where? Yes, we moved a year and half ago, should update my profile stuff. Queen of All I Survey is pretty good.
ReplyDeleteJanet, how did I miss that you've moved to the Upstate? I'm newish to your site, but girl--we're practically neighbors! Welcome to the Upstate!
ReplyDeleteClemson Extension is such a fantastic resource. I'm the MG liaison for 12 school gardens in Greenville, and I often refer the teachers to the Extension site for great photos and relevant info on pests. It's interesting--even with all of the rain, I haven't seen the worms here (and I'm crossing my fingers that those nasty webworms stay away!)
Look forward to reading more of your posts! Hope you enjoyed the respite from the rain today...
Julie
Very interesting! Once in several years we have big number of caterpillars invading all trees around us. But those are hairy, and it happens in summer. I am glad they are far from your garden! Feed birds!
ReplyDeleteJanet, please excuse my overly tired, mommy-addled brain! Somehow, I just didn't put two and two together...of course, I remember now! I would love to meet you. We will definitely need to plan a get-together and talk gardens, flowers, and all things spring-like soon. I look forward to it! Hope you are enjoying the sunshine today--I'm heading out to the greenhouses to started tomatoes and peppers today! Bliss! Have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteJulie, Extension service is a great resource. We were outside for a good while today, super day!
ReplyDeleteTatyana, I am calling the birds to stay in my yard for sure!!
Critteridder, thanks
Julie, no problem. :-)
That blog post title sounds like a SciFi B-movie! An impressive influx - I'm tempted to say that this is yet another indicator that people should have fewer and smaller lawns but if the larvae can utterly destroy whole areas of grass then we'd better hope the birds wake up and smell the breakfast soon. Strange adaptation, to rely on something you then destroy for future generations. Or is it just the topgrowth that is eaten, and the grass regenerates from the roots?
ReplyDeleteJanet, it does sound like a Sci-Fi movie title. We live in an area where there aren't many lawns, so maybe they were on the search for grass. I guess they eat the foliage and the roots will come back, though don't quote me on that.
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely dealing with the wrath of sod webworms here in Florida this time of year.
ReplyDelete