Armyworms are destructive pests that consume turf grasses, but they’ll feed on vegetables and other plants when food is scarce. They eventually become moths, but it’s the worm-like larvae stage that causes the most damage.

I recently got a message from a homeowner that their lawn is infested with armyworms. The pest has destroyed their lawn.

Signs/Damage of Armyworms: Small brown lawn patches are often the first clue of an armyworm problem. The pests may leave grass blades ragged or chew just the green layer, creating a transparent “windowpane” look. The grass may be sheared to the ground, creating bare spots in your lawn. When feeding on corn and other plants with larger leaves, these pests may leave rows of matching holes.

How to Control Armyworms: Armyworms feed around the clock, but their most active times are early morning and late evening. Time your treatment to coincide with activity for maximum results. Biafen I/T is a great product to treat the infestation. Also GardenTech® brand offers several highly effective controls to kill armyworms by contact and protect for up to three months:

• Sevin® Insect Killer Granules treat your entire lawn to reach armyworm stages above and below ground. Use a regular lawn spreader for uniform coverage. Then, water the granules immediately to release active ingredients into the soil.
• Sevin® Insect Killer Ready to Spray attaches to a regular garden hose. Spray lawn and garden areas thoroughly, including all surfaces of affected garden plants.
• Sevin® Insect Killer Ready to Use simplifies target spot treatments