I have been researching the problem before most agricultural services admitted that there was a problem.Įarlier today, doing yet another search on the Internet, I ran into an interesting item.
The winter here (Dallas, TX) was not cold enough to kill them. The following is a letter I received from a reader regarding army worms.Īrmy worms invaded my yard almost a year ago. Remember that when you are using chemicals in your garden, you are responsible for the effects of pesticide that may drift to another person's property or plants. Use all pesticides cautiously and sparingly. Read and follow all precautions and directions on the insecticide label before mixing or applying any chemical. Green lacewings, pirate bugs, and egg wasps are somewhat effective in the control of armyworms and caterpillars.Įggs of these predators can be purchased from Bugological Control Systems and other sources, however, if the infestation is out of control (five or more caterpillars per square yard) and chemical control becomes necessary, recommended insecticides containing chlorpyrifos, diazinon, Orthene, or Sevin should be applied. It is sometimes possible to control these bugs using natural predators. When there is a major infestation, the grass is eaten to the soil level.Ī hard frost may kill the larvae off, but an inspection of areas where armyworms are likely to be found is advisable so that a suitable treatment can be applied before serious plant damage occurs and the larvae mature.Īlthough the moths do no damage to plants, they will continue their life cycle and produce thousands of new caterpillars. These moth larvae chew off the grass blades above the soil surface. The caterpillars, usually feed at night and hide in plant litter just above the soil surface during the day. The caterpillar that hatches from the egg is only about one-eighth inch long, but when it has fully grown, it reaches a length of about two inches. Each female may deposit several of these egg clusters.
Their eggs masses which may contain several hundred new worms are deposited on or near plant foods. Our yard looks very bad as do many, Rick is going to put down sod.Īny preventive advice would be appreciated!!! Thank You!Īrmyworms are actually the caterpillar life stage of a moth. Do you have any suggestions on Army Worms that took over the Tri-Cities this fall?
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