What are the first signs of an armyworm infestation?
In late summer and fall, many lawns throughout Oklahoma are invaded by armyworms. These caterpillars feed on grass, so an infestation can quickly cause severe damage to your lawn.
It's important to stay vigilant for early signs of an armyworm infestation to stop the pests before it's too late. Some signs of an armyworm infestation in your Oklahoma lawn are:
- Brown patches begin appearing in your lawn. As armyworms feed on your grass each night, these brown patches will quickly spread.
- You notice jagged grass blades that appear to have been chewed on near the brown patches. This is proof that you have an armyworm problem, and not another issue killing your grass.
- Damage to your grass seems to be rapidly spreading across your lawn. "Armyworms" got their name for a reason; these caterpillars travel in huge numbers and lay waste to everything in their path.
- You see the armyworms wriggling around in your lawn. Armyworms grow to about 1 ½" long and are brownish or greenish with stripes down their sides. Look for activity in the early morning or around sunset, since armyworms are nocturnal pests.
How can I tell if armyworms are in my soil?
If you see signs of an armyworm presence but aren't sure the pests are present, here's how you can check for armyworms hiding in the soil beneath the surface:
- In areas showing signs of armyworm damage, gently peel back a small section of grass and inspect the thatch layer. Armyworms may be curled up just below the surface, especially near the crown of the grass.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap into 1 gallon of water, then pour it over a 1–2 square foot patch of lawn. Within minutes, armyworms hiding in the soil or thatch will be driven to the surface, making them easier to identify.
- Look for frass - tiny black or green armyworm droppings - on the soil surface or thatch. The presence of frass indicates that armyworms are actively feeding nearby.
Do you need help to get rid of an armyworm infestation in the Oklahoma City metro area? Connect with Champion Pest & Lawn today!