What do army worms do to your yard? Army worms, also known as fall armyworms, are a type of caterpillar that can cause significant damage to your lawn and garden. These pests are known for their voracious appetite and ability to quickly devastate large areas of vegetation. Understanding the impact of army worms on your yard is crucial for effective pest management and maintaining the health of your outdoor spaces.
Army worms primarily feed on grasses, including Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia. They are most active during the late summer and early fall, which is when they cause the most damage. These caterpillars have a unique feeding behavior that involves moving in large, traveling groups, hence the name “army.” As they move through your yard, they consume large amounts of grass, leaving behind brown, dead patches that can quickly spread if left unchecked.
One of the most noticeable signs of army worm infestation is the presence of frass, which is the caterpillar’s excrement. This frass is usually found in piles around the base of the grass and can be a telltale sign that army worms are present. Additionally, you may see the caterpillars themselves, which are usually brown or green with a distinctive yellow stripe down their back.
The damage caused by army worms can be quite severe. They can strip a lawn down to the soil, leaving it bare and vulnerable to other pests and diseases. In severe cases, army worms can even kill entire lawns, requiring extensive repairs and restoration. Furthermore, the destruction caused by army worms can lead to an increase in weeds, as bare patches provide an opportunity for weeds to take root and spread.
Controlling army worms in your yard involves a combination of prevention and treatment strategies. To prevent an infestation, it’s important to maintain a healthy lawn by mowing regularly, watering appropriately, and fertilizing as needed. Keeping your grass healthy makes it less susceptible to army worm damage. Additionally, removing any weeds or debris from your yard can help reduce the likelihood of army worm infestation.
When an infestation does occur, prompt treatment is essential. One common method for controlling army worms is the use of insecticides, such as pyrethroids or carbaryl. These chemicals can be applied directly to the affected areas to kill the caterpillars. It’s important to follow the instructions on the insecticide label carefully to ensure proper application and minimize the risk of harm to beneficial insects and pets.
Another effective treatment option is the use of biological control agents, such as beneficial nematodes or Beauveria bassiana, a fungal pathogen that infects army worms. These natural predators and pathogens can help reduce the army worm population without the use of harmful chemicals.
In conclusion, army worms can cause significant damage to your yard, but with proper prevention and treatment strategies, you can protect your lawn and garden from these pests. By understanding what army worms do to your yard and taking proactive measures, you can keep your outdoor spaces healthy and beautiful.
