With such a name, you know that these little pests are likely to be able to do some damage, and you would be right. 
Armyworms are tough little caterpillars that have incredible appetites. They feed on basically any plants they can get their mouths on from hay to crops, and you guessed it, your lawn.
These small yellowish or gray worms can take over your lawn and lay it to waste, especially if they are hitting the adult stage of their lives. These little buggers migrate during the night and will stay close to the soil, essentially hiding throughout the day, which makes them hard to spot. One sign that you may or may not notice before they start damaging your lawn is the increase of birds in and around your lawn. While birds do prey on armyworms, a lawn that is infested will need more than just a natural predator to restore it to its proper health.
Armyworms like turfgrass because they make a good meal of tender shoots. Bermudagrass is particularly tasty to many armyworms, so be on alert if your lawn is a Bermudagrass lawn. The time you need to be most vigilant, no matter what your turfgrass type is, is from August until the end of September. You will need to watch for small brown spots or unhealthy circles in your lawn. Chewed or bitten leaf edges is another signal that you may be dealing with armyworms.
If you are suspicious that you may have armyworms you can try mixing dish soap and water and spreading it over about a square foot area. 
If you see more than four or five armyworms surface, it is best to take some immediate action.
It is important to encourage natural predators in your lawn and avoid killing those natural predators. Ladybugs and lacewings can be some very useful bugs to have around if you are dealing with an armyworm infestation. Invite birds, especially starlings into your yard as well.
If you have many armyworms in your yard it may be best to treat it with an approved and safe insecticide. Make sure to check that it is pet and kid safe, as well as that it won’t damage the environment. If you have questions about what kind of insecticide would be best for your lawn, talk to professional lawn care specialists. They will be able to help guide you to find the right product.
If you need help with Army Worms any other lawn problems give us a call or click on the link below for a Free Estimate.
Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas
770.619.2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
