By Chris Hicks, County Director – UT Extension Smith County
If you look out your window and notice your lawn, pasture, or crop field moving, it may be more than just the wind. Fall armyworms have devastated fields in West Tennessee and parts of lower Middle Tennessee this summer and have recently made their way to Smith County.
Fall armyworms can be identified by the damage they leave behind as well as the presence of a prominent, light-colored inverted “Y” on their relatively dark head. They are ferocious eaters that feed on grass, fresh sod, soybean, and several uncultivated plants.
An armyworm’s life span is about twelve days, with the last couple of days being the period where armyworms eat the most. Overnight they can turn a beautiful green lawn or freshly seeded pasture into a barren, brown field of destroyed grass.
Homeowners can check for fall armyworms and other caterpillar pests in turfgrass by preparing a soap solution of 2 teaspoons of liquid dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water. Pour this solution over a 2-foot by 2-foot area (4 square feet). These caterpillars will be forced to the surface by the irritating soap solution.
Sample periodically through the spring and summer and treat when any populations of these caterpillars are detected. Control is best done when the caterpillars are in their early stages and still small. If not treated, they can reach high population levels and totally defoliate fields or yards.
There are a number of insecticides available if you find armyworms during scouting. Keep in mind that not all of these products are labeled for every situation (i.e., pastures, crops, turfgrass) and that some will have grazing or haying restrictions. Read and follow the labeled directions, and for specific product recommendations, give me a call at the University of Tennessee Extension office at 615-735-2900.
