Wireworm Control in Turf

Wireworms are click-beetle larvae that live in soil and feed on seeds, roots, and underground stems. They are uncommon in established turf but can be important during renovation, establishment, or conversion from pasture.

How to Recognize Wireworms

Seedlings fail to emerge or young turf thins in irregular areas. Larvae are slender, shiny, yellow-brown, and hard-bodied; soil sampling is needed because symptoms resemble seed rot, drought, or other root feeders.

Why Damage Develops

Long larval life cycles, grassy field history, high organic matter, and moist soil can support populations for several years.

Reduce Pest Pressure

• Scout the turf and confirm the pest before treating.
• Correct irrigation, fertility, mowing, thatch, or compaction problems that weaken roots and crowns.
• Treat the susceptible life stage and preserve beneficial insects where practical.

What University Research and Extension Guidance Says

University pest-management guidance recommends pre-plant soil sampling where field history suggests risk. Once turf is established, hidden larvae and limited rescue options make prevention and correct diagnosis especially important.

Choosing and Timing a Turf Treatment

Use the products below as a starting point, then select a product labeled for the turf site and target pest. Match the application to the vulnerable life stage, place the material where the pest is feeding, and follow watering-in directions when treatment must reach the crown or root zone.

Research and label note: Research results help explain pest biology, timing, and product performance, but they do not expand a product label. Confirm the turf species, use site, target pest or nematode, life stage, rate, irrigation directions, and application interval on the current label before use.

University sources: NC State Extension: Arthropod Pests of North Carolina Turf; NC State Extension: Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers.