Conditions Are Right for Fall Armyworms

A lot of yards have suffered this summer.  Scorching temperatures, not enough rain, too much rain -- all of these factors have worked together to upset the very delicate balance that nature strives for in order to keep our grasses green and our flowers and plants thriving.  One would think that with Fall creeping ever closer that we'd be in for a bit of reprieve with the promise of cooler temps and the ability of our yards to heal themselves, so to speak.

Enter the Fall Armyworm.  Who, you ask?  Well, apparently these little pests have been becoming more and more active within the United States over the past few years, and their ability to take a thriving, healthy lawn and swiftly and efficiently make it the most unsightly yard in the neighborhood has gained them much notoriety.

Here are some things you should know:

• The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugipeda) are caterpillars that feed on agricultural and turf grasses.
• The larvae feed at night on grass blades while the caterpillars feed on a variety of plants.
• Warm-season grasses such as bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and some others are commonly attacked.
• Bluegrass, ryegrass, fine fescue, and bentgrass are preferred cool-season turfgrasses.
• Heavy infestations may seriously damage large areas of turf.
• Populations of fall armyworms are typically kept in check by natural means, though population booms can occur, generally after a drought.
• The damage creates a frosted appearance or a brown area (look for this symptom late in the summer or early fall) or in the case of severe infestation, the turf may be completely denuded.

Below is a photo of an adult armyworm.

And this is a photo of a young armyworm.

Heavy infestations of armyworms can seriously damage large areas of turf, so let's hope that we don't run into any of these little critters in our yards.  If you do suspect that some type of pest has taken up residence in your lawn, be sure to look for dew sparkling on the webs in the early morning or at dusk -- a sure sign of armyworms.  Treatment is definitely possible, but catching on early is the key.

Find out more about armyworms.