Harmful Caterpillar and Worm Pests in Florida

Key Takeaways:

• Many Florida lawn and garden pests commonly called “worms” are actually caterpillars or beetle larvae.
• Turf-invading species typically cause brown patches, “spongy” soil, or bare spots by eating grass blades or destroying root systems.
• Tree and shrub pests can cause rapid defoliation, leading to plant stress, aesthetic damage, and potential long-term weakness.
• Some Florida caterpillars possess hidden toxic spines or stinging hairs that can cause painful rashes and severe skin reactions in humans and pets.
• Early detection signs include silken tents, “skeletonized” leaves, and the presence of small moths flying over the lawn at dusk.

Florida “Worm” and Caterpillar Pests to Watch for

Ready to talk about caterpillar and worm pests in Florida? First off, let’s get one thing straight.

Many of the pests we call “worms” — like Armyworms and Webworms — are actually destructive caterpillars. In fact, none of the pests we’re going to talk about today are actually technically worms. They may be called “worms” or look like worms, but they’re actually the caterpillars – or, in the case of the grub worm, beetle larva.

That said, they crawl like worms and act like worms, so they’re often referred to as worms – and if that’s what you want to call them, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Whether they are crawling in your grass or nesting in your trees, here are the most common “worm” and caterpillar pests in our region.

Lawn & Turf Invaders

These pests quickly multiply and lead to brown patches and bare spots that can eventually take over your lawn.

Fall Armyworm

The Fall Armyworm is a 1.5-inch caterpillar, typically green or brown, characterized by light horizontal stripes and dark spots. The easiest way to identify them is the distinct, light-colored “Y” shape on their head. They move in large groups and can strip a lawn to the soil in a matter of days.

• Risk Factors: They thrive in lush, fertilized grass and are most active in late summer and early fall.
• What To Do: If you see brown patches or “skeletonized” grass blades, call us immediately. Because they move in “armies,” they require a broadcast treatment to stop the spread.

Tropical Sod Web Worm

These grayish-green caterpillars are roughly 1 inch long and appear slightly translucent with small dark spots. They hide in the grass thatch during the day and feed at night. You may notice small, white moths flying in a zigzag pattern over your lawn at dusk—this is a sign that eggs are being laid.

• Risk Factors: They target St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses, leaving the lawn looking “scalped.”
• What To Do: Check for small green pellets (frass) in the thatch. We recommend a specialized liquid treatment that penetrates the grass canopy to reach the larvae.

Grub Worms

White Grubs are the “C”-shaped larvae of June Beetles. They have cream-colored bodies and orange-brown heads. Unlike other pests, these live entirely underground, feeding on the roots of your grass and disconnecting the turf from its water source.

• Risk Factors: A “spongy” feeling when you walk or patches of grass that lift up like a carpet are tell-tale signs.
• What To Do: Treatment requires a “granular-to-soil” approach. We apply a treatment that is watered into the root zone to eliminate the grubs where they hide.

Shrub & Tree Defoliators

These pests show up on trees and shrubs and can quickly cause loss of leaves, which has devastating long-term consequences.

Bagworms

Bagworms live inside “bags” made of silk and debris (like pine needles or leaves), resembling small, hanging pinecones. You will often see them hanging from tree branches or even on the exterior walls of your home. They are rarely seen outside their protective bags.

• Risk Factors: They can quickly defoliate evergreens and ornamental shrubs. If the bags are not removed, they will hatch hundreds of new larvae next season.
• What To Do: Manual removal is possible for small infestations, but for large trees, a professional high-pressure spray is necessary to penetrate the bags.

Oleander Caterpillars

These striking caterpillars are bright orange with long, tufted black hairs. While beautiful, they are a major pest for Oleander plants. The adult moth is known as the “polka-dot wasp moth” due to its iridescent blue body and white spots.

• Risk Factors: They can strip an entire Oleander bush down to the stems in a few days, severely stressing the plant.
• What To Do: Inspect the undersides of leaves for orange eggs. If caterpillars are present, a targeted foliar spray is the best way to save your shrubs.

Tussock Moth Caterpillar

A major seasonal nuisance in North Central Florida, these are fuzzy with four distinct “tufts” of hair on their back and two long black “hair pencils” near the head. They are famous for falling out of oak trees and leaving stubborn cocoons on house siding.

• Risk Factors: The hairs on these caterpillars can cause an itchy, painful rash if they touch your skin.
• What To Do: Avoid touching them with bare hands. We offer seasonal sprays to reduce their population before they begin the cocooning phase on your home’s exterior.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

These caterpillars build thick, silken “tents” in the crotches of tree branches. They are social feeders that leave their tent daily to eat leaves and return for protection. Adult moths are reddish-brown with white stripes.

• Risk Factors: They primarily target fruit and shade trees. The main risk is the loss of foliage, which can weaken the tree over time.
• What To Do: Do not attempt to burn the tents, as this damages the tree. We can safely remove the nests and apply a barrier spray to the foliage.

Fall Web Worm

The Fall Webworm is most easily identified by the messy, silk webbing it weaves over the tips of tree branches. Unlike the Tent Caterpillar, which builds nests in the “crotch” of the tree, Webworms enclose entire clusters of leaves at the end of branches to feed safely inside. The larvae can have either a black or red head, and the adult moths are beautiful, fuzzy, and pure white—though in Florida, they often have small dark spots on their wings.

• Risk Factors: They primarily target hardwood trees like Pecan, Mulberry, and Persimmon. While they rarely kill a healthy, mature tree, they can completely ruin its aesthetic and cause premature leaf drop.
• What To Do: Because these nests are often high up in the canopy and the silk is water-resistant, “hardware store” sprays rarely work. We use high-pressure equipment to penetrate the webbing and ensure the treatment reaches the larvae inside.

Stinging & Garden Threats

You work hard to grow a healthy and vibrant garden and these pests come along and undo everything in a short amount of time.

Puss Caterpillar (Asp)

One of the most dangerous caterpillars in Florida, the Puss Caterpillar looks like a small, harmless tuft of soft tan or gray fur. However, hidden beneath that fur are toxic stinging spines that cause intense, throbbing pain.

• Risk Factors: Found on oaks, citrus, and elms, they pose a significant risk to children and pets who may be tempted to touch the “furry” bug.
• What To Do: If spotted, keep your distance. Our specialists can treat the specific trees where they are nesting to ensure your yard is safe for your family.

Saddleback Caterpillar

Easily identified by its bright green “blanket” with a brown, saddle-shaped spot in the center. These caterpillars have prominent horns on both ends covered in stinging spines.

• Risk Factors: A run-in with a Saddleback results in a painful sting and potentially a severe skin reaction. They feed on a wide variety of ornamental plants and trees.
• What To Do: Because they are generalist feeders, they can be anywhere in the garden. Professional perimeter and garden bed treatments are the most effective control.

Azalea Caterpillar

Found primarily in North Central Florida from July to October, these caterpillars are striking in appearance. Mature larvae are about 2 inches long with black bodies and bright yellow horizontal stripes. Their head and legs are a distinct mahogany-red. When they feel threatened, they have a unique habit of arching their front and rear ends into the air to form a “U” shape.

• Risk Factors: They are “specialist” feeders that can completely defoliate an azalea bush in a very short window. While they don’t usually kill the plant, the loss of leaves right before winter can severely weaken it.
• What To Do: Check your azaleas for “leaf skeletons” where only the middle vein of the leaf remains. We recommend a targeted foliar treatment to eliminate the colony before they can migrate to your other ornamental shrubs.

Comparison Table – “Worm” and Caterpillar Pests in Florida

Need Help with Lawn Care? Give Us a Call!

If you need help maximizing your lawn’s potential, or you’re experiencing a worm or caterpillar problem, give us a call today!

Our experienced Lawn Care Specialists are ready to treat and eliminate the pests – and give you the lawn you’ve always wanted.