Fall Armyworms on the March Across the Southeast

Have you noticed any greyish-green caterpillars around your home and on your lawn? Warning! These are NOT cute caterpillars that will turn into beautiful butterflies, but instead a fall invader known as armyworms. These armyworms are rampant across the southeast this time of year, arriving as early as July and hanging around until late fall. 

This year, armyworms have been more abundant across the Southeast and are causing late-season issues. September and October are especially important months to keep an eye out for armyworms, as this is the time this “second wave” of destroyers will appear. 

What Are Armyworms?

Despite the name, armyworms are actually caterpillars that grow into moths. In their moth stage, they lay eggs on vertical surfaces, such as a privacy fence. When the eggs hatch, the larva crawl down to your grass and begin to eat. This is when they turn into adult armyworms. 

Adult armyworms have a “Y” shape on the back of their heads and three stripes that run down the middle of their bodies. 

Think you might have a fall armyworm problem? Contact us today!

Armyworms on the Move

Armyworms tend to move quickly into new areas in large numbers. For this reason, if your neighbor has an armyworm problem, you can consider it your problem too. These pests are known to travel quickly between adjacent years as they look for more turf to feed on. They can cover an entire street before you know it! 

What Are Signs of Armyworms?

Small, brown patches of grass around vertical surfaces like walls and fences and trees are often the first clue of an armyworm problem. The pests may leave grass blades ragged on or chewed up creating a “transparent” look. The grass may also be sheared to the ground, making bare spots. When feeding on crops, like corn, armyworms may leave rows of matching holes on the crops.

Other signs of armyworms include a gradual progression of brown grass from an initial point and caterpillar-like worms in your lawn. 

How to Find Armyworms in Your Lawn

The best way to detect if you have armyworms in your lawn is with a strategy called “scouting.” This means kneeling and inspecting the tops of the grass blades during cooler parts of the day, and near the soil during the hotter parts of the day. 

Look for chewed grass, as well as the armyworms themselves. They often travel in large numbers, which can destroy an entire lawn in just a few days! 

Note: If you are experiencing problems but don't see armyworms, consider whether you are watering frequently enough or mowing too low. 

Armyworm Treatment 

For Waynes current lawn customers, armyworm treatment is covered in your plan. After the treatment, avoid moving and watering your lawn for 3-4 days. This time period allows the armyworms to come in contact with the treatment. 

We do not usually treat armyworms preemptively. We use something called Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which means Waynes only uses products when they are needed. We do this to avoid excess chemicals in the environment. We adjust this strategy in areas where armyworms are active.

If you’re needing treatment for armyworms, or think you might have an issue with them, call Waynes! A Waynes Lawn Professional can address the issue and come up with the proper treatment plan for your lawn needs. Contact us here or call us at 866.WAYNES1.