Pest identification
What's eating my common tussock grass?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on blades, yellowing tips, distorted new growth
Control: Hose off with water; use insecticidal soap spray for heavier infestations
Sod webworm caterpillars
Signs: Ragged brown patches as larvae chew grass blades at night
Control: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) drench at dusk; encourage ground beetles as predators
Slugs & snails
Signs: Irregular shredding of young shoots, silvery slime trails
Control: Set beer traps; scatter iron phosphate pellets around the base; water in the morning
Keep common tussock grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Common Tussock Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my common tussock grass?
Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieri) faces few serious pests, but aphids and sod webworm caterpillars can damage leaf blades, and slugs attack emerging shoots in damp conditions. Rabbits may graze young tussocks. Overall it is tough and largely self-sufficient once established.
How do I get rid of aphids on common tussock grass?
Sticky honeydew on blades, yellowing tips, distorted new growth Hose off with water; use insecticidal soap spray for heavier infestations
How do I get rid of sod webworm caterpillars on common tussock grass?
Ragged brown patches as larvae chew grass blades at night Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) drench at dusk; encourage ground beetles as predators
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on common tussock grass?
Irregular shredding of young shoots, silvery slime trails Set beer traps; scatter iron phosphate pellets around the base; water in the morning