Tracking Pest Issues in Lawn Grass

Fall armyworms are surface area feeders. Fall armyworms are tiny and green with a black head when they hatch, however they grow rapidly and end up being darker with age.

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Thoroughly scout to identify the number, size, and circulation of fall armyworms and the condition of the turfgrass. Small armyworms (greenish in color) are much simpler to control than caterpillars nearing their full-grown length of 1.5 to 2 inches.

Trim tall turfgrass before treatment to improve insecticide protection. Irrigate lightly several hours before treatment to increase larval activity on the soil surface area.

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See Table 1. Pyrethroid resistance has been reported in other parts of the country. If there is no fast control of fall armyworms after using a pyrethroid, consider utilizing a different class of insecticide, or work with a lawn care business to use a chlorantraniliprole or tetraniliprole substance. Azadirachtin insecticides (Neem oil) can provide control of small larvae and are licensed natural.