What is a Fall Armyworm?

If you’ve never dealt with fall armyworms, consider yourself lucky. They can cause considerable damage to your lawn if left untreated. By adopting the right insect control plan, though, you can manage them.

A fall armyworm is a seasonal pest that feeds on turfgrass, growths and woody shrubs. They can be 1-1.5 inches long and vary in color between green, brown and sometimes black. Their most distinctive characteristic is the inverted “Y” marking on their heads.

How are Fall Armyworms Damaging to Turfgrass?

Fall armyworm larvae can cause significant damage to leaf material in turfgrass. Commonly affected turfgrasses include:

• Bermuda
• Ryegrass
• Fescue
• Bluegrass

Fall Armyworms will feed in large groups or “armies.” Early larvae don’t eat much, but later in their development cycle, they can wreak havoc on leaf material.

Signs of Fall Armyworms

A distinct line between damaged and undamaged turfgrass is a telling sign of their larvae. They lay their eggs in masses, usually around easily-accessed areas. So because of this, you may notice that the damage will begin in one area and radiate outward. Larval damage can also resemble drought stress or brown patch disease, so it’s critical to identify it as soon as possible.

How to Control Fall Armyworms

Fall armyworms work at a rapid pace, so expert assessment of your lawn is critical sooner than later. If they’re present, the best way to avoid widespread damage is by adopting an insect control plan. With Fairway Green’s insect control management team, we can put together a custom approach with the necessary steps for your lawn.

Take Control of Your Lawn with Fairway Green

If you suspect that your turfgrass is suffering from fall armyworms, schedule your free lawn estimate today to get things back on track!