INSECT ID · CHEWING PEST

Fall armyworms

Also called Armyworms, grass worms

Caterpillars that eat grass blades and can show up in big numbers almost overnight. A lawn can go from green to brown in days.

When you’ll see it: Late summer and fall

Fall armyworm caterpillar, brown with pale stripes and a light marking on its head, resting on green grass blades — Photo: Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org, CC BY 3.0 US

How to spot it

Caterpillars that range from pinkish or green to gray or almost black
A light, upside-down Y on the head
Grass blade tips turn clear or white where they have been eaten
Large dead areas next to healthy grass, with a sharp line between
On bermudagrass the damage can look like drought

Why it shows up

Armyworms tend to show up in August and September after a wet summer. They feed in groups and move across the lawn like an army. Young caterpillars start at the base of the grass and move up as they grow.

How we treat it

Summer protection against armyworms is part of our lawn program. Timing matters. It works best when the caterpillars are still small. Call us right away if you see them.

What you can do

Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a gallon of water and pour it on a patch. Caterpillars will come up.
Check the edge of the damage, not the dead middle.
Call at the first sign. Small caterpillars are easier to stop.

WANT IT HANDLED?

Let a licensed applicator take it from here.

Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.

Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722

Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138