Army worms: The Pest That's Eating Your Lawn

Army worms, also known as lawn moths, are a common pest that can wreak havoc on your lawn. These worms are known for their voracious appetite and can quickly decimate a lawn if left unchecked. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at army worms, including their lifecycle, how to identify them, and effective ways to get rid of them. Identifying Army Worms Army worms are small, green or brown caterpillars that can grow up to 2 inches long. They have a distinctive, dark stripe running down their back and can be found in large groups or "armies" that can consume an entire lawn in just a few days. Army worms can be active both during the day and at night, and they prefer to feed on the leaves of grasses and other plants. Lifecycle of Army Worms Army worms go through four stages in their lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They begin as small, green or brown eggs that are laid on the leaves of grasses and other plants. These eggs hatch into small, green or brown larva, which are the stage that causes the most damage to lawns. The larva then enter the pupa stage, during which they transform into the adult stage, which is a small, brown or gray moth. Adult moths lay their eggs on the leaves of grasses and other plants, beginning the cycle anew. Control and Prevention The best way to control army worms is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. Here are a few tips to keep your lawn safe from army worms:

1. Keep your lawn healthy: A healthy lawn is less likely to be damaged by army worms. Make sure your lawn is getting the proper amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight.

2. Use natural predators: Birds and other animals are natural predators of army worms. Encourage birds to visit your lawn by providing bird feeders and baths.

3. Use pesticides: If you notice an army worm infestation, use pesticides specifically labeled for army worm control. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.

4. Handpicking: Army worms are relatively big and easy to spot, you can pick them by hand and put them in soapy water to kill them.

5. Mow your lawn regularly: Mowing your lawn regularly can help to keep army worms from taking over.

In conclusion, army worms are a common pest that can cause significant damage to lawns. By identifying them early, keeping your lawn healthy, and using natural predators or pesticides, you can prevent army worms from becoming a problem. Keep an eye out for army worms and take action quickly if you notice an infestation. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your lawn looking beautiful and healthy all season long.