Your lawn looked fine yesterday — today it's chewed down to the stolons in irregular patches. That's caterpillars: sod webworms, tropical sod webworms, or fall armyworms. They feed at night and can strip sections overnight.
We identify the species, treat fast, and stop active feeding within 24 hours.
30 seconds. No obligation. Most quotes same-day.
By completing this form, you agree to the Waves Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and consent to receive automated service notifications and promotional offers via SMS. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help, STOP to unsubscribe.
Caterpillars are the fastest lawn pest to cause visible damage. A heavy fall armyworm outbreak can strip noticeable sections of a Venice lawn in 48 hours, and — especially on the Island — salt-stressed St. Augustine is slower to recover than mainland turf.
Waves Pest Control identifies the species, treats fast, and stops active feeding within 24 hours. Call {{cityPhone}} now.
Sod webworm. Small, hide in thatch, feed nocturnally. Adult moths fly zigzag at dusk. Slow steady damage.
Tropical sod webworm. Subtropical cousin common in Venice. Slightly more destructive than regular sod webworm.
Fall armyworm. Larger, striped, travels in groups. Dramatic overnight damage. Peak September–October.
Salt-exposed St. Augustine on the Island has weaker root systems and slower blade-regrowth than mainland lawns. Caterpillar damage that a Nokomis or Jacaranda lawn shrugs off in three weeks takes six weeks to fill in on the Island. For Island properties, our 7-step program is the right call — preventive treatment avoids the dramatic visible-damage window that’s harder to recover from.
Confirm species first (chinch bug and fungus damage can mimic caterpillar damage). Once confirmed, broadcast treatment targets the thatch layer. Modern caterpillar-specific chemistry — spinosad, Bt, or bifenthrin — breaks the population within 24 hours.
Follow-up at 5–7 days catches secondary egg-laying cohorts.
Venice caterpillar treatment starts in the low-to-mid hundreds for a typical single-family or Island bungalow lawn. Our Lawn Care 7-Step program is the usual recommendation for Island lawns and for any home that’s been hit before.
Active overnight damage gets same-day or next-day scheduling. Call {{cityPhone}} with your address.
Call {{cityPhone}} or email [email protected] for a free inspection.
30 seconds. No obligation. Most quotes same-day.
By completing this form, you agree to the Waves Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and consent to receive automated service notifications and promotional offers via SMS. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help, STOP to unsubscribe.
Webworms and armyworms aren't the only lawn threat in autumn. Here's what else we handle.
Fertilization, weed control, and turf-matched pest treatment. Thicker, greener results in 90 days or we re-treat free.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE →
Ants, roaches, spiders, rodents — one visit eliminates, quarterly service keeps them gone.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE →
Termites, mosquitoes, bees, palm injections — targeted specialty work, same guarantee.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE →Real reviews from real neighbors in Bradenton, Sarasota, Parrish, Venice, and beyond.
The more you combine, the less you pay. Every plan includes the full money-back guarantee — no contracts, cancel anytime.
The foundation. Covers your home inside and out, every quarter.
Add lawn care, mosquito, or termite protection.
Our most popular plan. Pest, lawn, and one more — all covered.
Complete home protection. The biggest savings we offer.
Not sure which plan fits? Start with Bronze — upgrade anytime, no fees.
Caterpillars are one problem. Here's the rest of what Venice lawns fight.
Slow-release, seasonally adjusted blends matched to your grass type. Thicker, greener in 90 days.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE → Pre-emergent and selective post-emergent treatments that kill weeds without killing your turf.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE → Chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, grubs — turf-specific pest treatments that save your lawn.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE → Fertilization and pest treatment for ornamentals, palms, and shrubs. Keeps the whole yard healthy.
Learn more → GET A FREE ESTIMATE →Tell us what's bugging you. We'll handle the rest — most quotes go out same-day.
30 seconds. No obligation. Most quotes same-day.
Every service comes with a full money-back guarantee. We re-treat for free first. Still not happy? Full refund — no forms, no waiting period.
Pests come back between visits? We come back — same week, no extra charge.
Call before noon, we can usually be there today. Not next week.
Month-to-month. Stay because it's working, not because you're stuck.
Takes 30 seconds. Zero obligation.
Every customer gets free access to the Waves portal. Track services, pay invoices, chat with AI, and refer friends — no app download needed.
Upcoming visits, past treatments, products used — all in one place.
Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or ACH. Auto-pay available. No more checks.
Got a question at midnight? Our AI assistant knows your account and your property.
Share your link. When they sign up, you both save.
Don't take our word for it — here's what real customers are saying on Google.
Quick answers from our SWFL pest pros.
Call {{cityPhone}} now. Caterpillar populations double every 3–5 days — don't wait.