The garden webworm has been causing concerns for the past few weeks at least as questions come in about, "what are these moths in my field." We placed an article in the Plains Pest Management Newsletter on July 31, 2026 where we IDed the moths, shown them to have become annual visitors to the region, and listed them as probably only feeding on pigweed. That has certainly been the case but caution is always needed as this worm is a general foliage feeder. This morning we received a report of them seriously damaging alfalfa in SW Hale County and some non-Bt cotton in N Lubbock County.
While we have only noted feeding on weeds, we should keep an eye on the situation in each field. I suspect the dry conditions are forcing the worms to broaden their host plants for survival. Please make note as to whether these worms are causing any issues in your garden or crops. In our PPM, the only noted damage is on the weeds.
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| webworm damage on alfalfa this week. |
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| webworm on alfalfa this week. |
 | | light damage to pigweed in July |
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| webworm moth |
