Anyone with a garden, especially in the south, knows that armyworms can be a real nuisance. These little critters can quickly take over an area and leave your grass looking like it’s been eaten away. So, how do you get rid of these pests and keep them from coming back? Here are some tips for getting rid of them on your lawn or turf.
What are these pests and what do they look like
They are caterpillars that are the larvae of several different types of moths. The most common in North America is the true armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta), which is the larva of the army cutworm moth.
They are often green or brown with stripes running down their backs, and they can grow to be about 2 inches (5 cm) long. These pests are voracious eaters and can quickly destroy entire fields of crops such as wheat, corn, and rice.
In addition to being a nuisance to farmers, it can also seriously threaten human health; the caterpillars can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans if eaten.
How do you get rid of it?
There are a few different ways to get rid of these menace little creatures. You can use a chemical insecticide, or you can try a natural method like using beneficial insects. You can also try to remove them by hand. Whichever method you choose, make sure to do it right away before it can have a chance to do too much damage.
If you have an infestation of it, the first thing you should do is try to remove them by hand. This can be a difficult and time-consuming task, but it will be worth it if you can get rid of most of the pests this way. Be sure to wear gloves and dispose of the worms in a sealed bag so they can’t escape.
If you can’t remove all of it by hand, you’ll need to resort to using an insecticide. Be sure to choose a product that is specifically designed to kill all of it. Follow the instructions on the label carefully so you don’t end up doing more harm than good.
Finally, you can try using beneficial insects to get rid of these worms. These are insects that eat other insects, and they can be very effective at controlling pests. You can purchase them online or at your local garden center.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to act quickly so the pests doesn’t have a chance to do too much damage.
What can you do to prevent an infestation of these pests?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent an infestation:
#1. Keep your grass short
They prefer to live and feed in the long grass.
#2. Remove any potential breeding sites
These pests often lay their eggs in weeds, so keeping your garden free of these will help reduce the chances of an infestation.
#3. Use traps
You can buy or make your own traps that will attract and kill them and prevent them from multiplying.
#4. Apply insecticide
If you have an infestation, you may need to use an insecticide to get rid of the armyworms. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and only use products that are safe for use around children and pets.
How to tell if your lawn has been damaged?
According to Heroes Lawn Care in Valparaiso, FL, there are several ways to tell if your grasses have been damaged by pest infestation. The first is to look for brown or bare patches in the grass. This type of pest will often eat all of the grass in an area, leaving behind only bare dirt.
Another way to tell if your yard has been damaged is to look for their cocoons. These are small, white cocoons that the caterpillars spin in order to pupate. They are often found on the underside of leaves or in other sheltered areas.
It is imperative that you take fast action in the event that you have reason to believe that armyworms have caused harm to your lawn. These invasive species can multiply rapidly and wreak a significant amount of damage in a relatively short period of time.
What is the best way to treat the infestations?
There are a few different ways to treat parasite infestation, depending on the severity of the infestation. If the infestation is light, you can try using a pesticide to kill the worms. For moderate to heavy infestations, you may need to use an insecticide. You can also try using a biological control method, such as releasing ladybugs or parasitic wasps, to help control the population. If you have a severe infestation, you may need to consult with a professional to find the best way to treat your particular situation.
When is the best time to treat the damage?
The best time to treat for armyworm damage is in the early morning or late evening when they are actively feeding. Aerosol insecticides are most effective when applied directly to the larvae. For best results, treat infested areas when larvae are first noticed and repeat applications as needed. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
And there you have it, we hope that your lawns and turfs will stay healthy all year long.