Attack of the army worms

Armyworms are green-striped caterpillar larvae of the adult armyworm moth. Armyworms got their name because they travel in small armies, eating everything in their paths. A common pest of grass, armyworms will also eat corn, beets, beans, clover, flax, millet, and other grains. There are specific steps you can take to remove armyworm infestations from your grass or fields. Additionally, there are some natural methods for keeping armyworms at bay.

NOTE FORM THE HOA

It has been reported that a few homeowners are under attach from eth armyworms the HOA is taking measures to spray the common areas tomorrow to prevent damage to existing grass.

PLEASE be mindful and make sure your pers are not walking on the grass to protect the animals we want to make sure our little friends don't get sick.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

1. Look for early signs. Because they feed at night, you may not see the caterpillars right away. Brown spots on your lawn are often the first sign that you have an armyworm problem. An increase of the number of birds in your yard may be an indication of armyworms. The earlier you treat the problem, the easier it is to control and less damage a lawn will sustain.


Mow the lawn. Trimming your grass short is perhaps the best way to discourage the presence of armyworms. Consider mowing your lawn a bit shorter than you normally would, and keep it groomed.

Water the grass. Watering your grass, especially when done right after mowing, also causes caterpillars to move on to other lawns. Develop a regular watering routine, and remember to also water your grass right after mowing.

Use insecticide. Spraying the grass with a liquid insecticide is a very effective way to eradicate armyworms. Granular insecticides are generally less effective against armyworms. Choose a liquid insecticide, and follow all manufacturer's instructions (as these can vary from product to product).


Leave the lawn alone for three days. After you apply liquid insecticide to your lawn, it is important to avoid mowing and watering for at least three days. This gives the insecticide time to work.

Getting Rid of Armyworms Without Pesticides

Watch for moths. In order for your natural approach to be effective, you must catch the infestation early. In early spring, begin monitoring for the presence of moths, and/or damage to your plants.

• Armyworm moths are grey with a distinctive white dot on their forewings.
• You may choose to set pheromone traps to catch moths. This will allow you to get a better look at their markings.

Release Trichogramma wasps. If you've caught the problem early in the season (late spring or early summer), you can release Trichogramma wasps. These wasps will parasitize and ultimately kill armyworm eggs.

• You can purchase these wasps from some garden supply stores, or online.

Attract beneficial insects and birds. Unfortunately, the use of pesticides and insecticides can kill beneficial insects, along with armyworms. Instead, by encouraging the presence of these insects, as well as birds, you can naturally keep your armyworm population at bay. You can do this by avoiding the use of insecticides/pesticides, and by planting wildflowers.

• Ladybugs and Lacewings are both beneficial insects.

Overturn the soil in the evenings. Before nightfall each day, use a small gardening shovel to overturn the soil, bringing the larvae to the surface. This will allow birds to eat the larvae, which are usually out of sight.

Release beneficial nematodes into the soil in the spring. Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic soil creatures that feed on many different pests, including armyworms. However, beneficial nematodes do not harm vertebrates, honeybees, plants, or earthworms.

Apply neem oil. If the introduction of other pests has not done enough to quell your armyworm problem, try using neem oil spray. Apply neem oil spray to your crops, making sure to cover stems and the undersides of leaves, as well. Avoid watering for at least 1-2 days after application.

• Neem oil can be destructive to armyworms at various stages of their development.
• Additionally, neem oil is antifungal.