How to Control Fall Armyworms: A Quick Guide

Armyworms invading your property? Don't worry... we've got your back. Let's tackle those annoying invaders before they turn your turf into their personal buffet.

What are Armyworms?

Armyworms are basically teenage moths. Simply put, they're just caterpillars that love to munch on your lawn. They migrate north when it warms up and turn into a real headache by late summer or early fall once they really start to get hungry.

The Armyworm Life Cycle

You wouldn't think it by looking at them, but these little guys move fast. Moths lay eggs that hatch in a few days, and the hungry caterpillars start devouring your grass for two to three weeks. After that, they pupate, and in about a week, new moths emerge to kickstart the cycle all over again. When it's warm, this whole process wraps up in just four weeks.

If you've just laid down some new sod and spot armyworms, they might have hitched a ride from the sod farm. Big armyworms that show up within a couple of weeks likely came with the sod. If they're smaller and show up later, they might have hatched from eggs laid after you installed it.

Signs of Armyworms

Sod farms and landscapers are on high alert for armyworms to avoid infested grass. They keep an eye out for signs like ragged leaves and test with soapy water. Even higher-than-usual bird activity can signal an infestation. But sometimes, those smaller worms sneak through and settle into new sod.

How to Get Rid of Armyworms

When it comes to fighting off armyworms, you've got some solid options. Granular insecticides like Wisdom EZ, Talstar XTRA VERGE, Dylox 6.2G, and Acelepryn G are popular picks. If you prefer liquid treatments, Upstar Gold, Talstar Pro, Acelepryn, and Dylox can help quickly knock down those infestations. Remember to include a spray surfactant to get best results. Commonly, a product like Droplex Xtra, can boost coverage on the leaf blade, increase penetration in the leaf canopy, and reduce spray drift.

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are a smart way to go if you're looking to disrupt the armyworm life cycle. They're safer for people and pets, making them a great preventive measure. Many sod producers apply IGRs before harvesting to stop any leftover worms from progressing further.

Managing Armyworm Infestations

Knowing how armyworms operate is key to dealing with them. They love young, lush grass and tend to infest new lawns for up to two months after sod is laid. Spotting them early and starting treatment ASAP will help you prevent major damage and keep your turf healthy without needing to replace it.