Here at Legacy Turf Farms, we know you take pride in your beautiful lawn. But even the most well-maintained lawns can come under attack from unexpected pests. One such enemy is the armyworm. These little caterpillars love to munch on your grass, leaving behind ragged leaves and unsightly brown patches.
This blog post will serve as your guide to armyworms, including how to identify them, banish them from your lawn, and help your grass recover.
Identifying Armyworms:
- Spot the signs: Notice ragged leaves or areas with stripped stems on your sod? This could be a sign of armyworms.
- Soapy water test: To confirm the presence of armyworms, try the soapy water test. Pour soapy water on the suspected area. If armyworms are present, they will be driven to the surface by the soap. You may see white grubs, brown pupae, immature worms light in color, or mature worms darker in color.
Important to Remember:
- Not the installer’s fault: If your established lawn is infected with armyworms, don’t blame the sod producer or landscape installer. Many armyworms migrate from treelines or brush, seeking out your lush green haven. In fact, we pre-treat our fields with insecticides here at the farm to stay ahead of these migrating pests.
- New sod susceptibility: Newly installed sod is especially vulnerable to armyworm infestations within the first 30-60 days. The tender new growth is like a five-star buffet for these hungry caterpillars.
- Brown patch culprit: Rapidly spreading brown spots, especially in Bermuda lawns, can be a telltale sign of armyworm activity.
Taking Down the Armyworm Army:
The good news is that armyworms are susceptible to most insect killers available at your local hardware store or online retailers like Amazon. Here are some effective options:
- Spectracide Triazicide
- Sevin Insect Killer for Lawns and Landscapes Concentrate (Ready to Spray)
Remember: Liquid formulas act faster than granular ones. Follow all instructions printed on the bottle. Follow all safety recommendations including eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and long pants that the bottle may recommend.
Hire A Pro:
If you’d like to be absolutely sure the army worms are knocked out, we recommend hiring a spray technician with their pesticide license. They can spray a professional grade product that will be very effective. We recommend calling a professional if you see multiple life cycles of worms. It’s also a good idea to call a certified spray company if you are uncomfortable using the store-bought products on your own.
Helping Your Lawn Recover:
The good news is that armyworm damage is primarily cosmetic and doesn’t affect the root system of your lawn. With proper care, your lawn will bounce back quickly. Here’s how to help it along:
- Fertilize: Apply a good quality fertilizer like Flagship 24-0-6 Granular Lawn Fertilizer with Iron. Apply twice, four weeks apart, to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to recover. You can find this fertilizer at Yard Mastery: https://yardmastery.com/collections/fertilizers-granular/products/24-0-6-flagship-granular-lawn-fertilizer-with-iron
- Water: Ensure your lawn receives proper watering to aid recovery.
- Mow and Monitor: Keep mowing your lawn as usual and stay vigilant. Armyworms can return for a second round, especially if we experience a mild winter.
By following these tips, you can keep army worms at bay and ensure your lawn stays healthy and beautiful. If you have any questions or concerns about armyworms or lawn care in general, don’t hesitate to contact us at Legacy Turf Farms. We’re here to help!
