Armyworm Alert

Armyworm from a client's yard.

This year has been one of the worst in Middle Georgia for armyworm infestations. We have seen multiple yards get hit by armyworms this year. It is important to be on the lookout for sign of these pests. They can infest your lawn and ruin your grass almost overnight. They come in large numbers, hence the name armyworms. This army of mouths is always hungry and will devour turf very quickly. They reproduce rapidly, so a case of armyworms in one yard can quickly spread throughout the entire neighborhood. In this post, we'll look at some signs of armyworms to keep your eyes out for and what to do if you spot them.

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In the video below, our turf expert, Bryce, shares some information about the armyworm problem we've been seeing.

What to watch for

Armyworms can blend in with the grass very well. Their natural camouflage makes it difficult to spot them in your turf until it's too late. If you do spot worms in your lawn, you can identify them as armyworms by looking at their head. An armyworm will have a light colored Y shape on the top of their head. The best time to search for armyworms is in the early morning when it's cool outside. They are most active at nighttime when the temperature is lower. If you see one armyworm, there are likely many more!

​Armyworm egg clusters are often easier to spot than the worms themselves. They appear as off-white or brownish colored blobs and might be found on outdoor furniture, plants, rocks, and other places. They can be high or low because they are laid by moths, the adult stage of the worms' lifecycle.

Armyworm eggs on a plant

How to Deal with Armyworms

If you spot armyworm eggs, you can crush the eggs to prevent that batch of worms from hatching. The thing about armyworms is where you see signs of some, there's likely many more. You need to react fast to prevent damage to your turf. Armyworms can spread and reproduce overnight, and this army of mouths can quickly destroy your yard.

If you suspect that you have armyworms in your yard, you can have your lawn treated for them. They can be eliminated with pesticides. These treatments are done by professionals since the chemicals require a license to use. Real Turf Solutions can treat your yard for armyworms. If you spot signs of an infestation please contact us right away!

Map of Armyworms in Middle Georgia

Communities with confirmed armyworm infestations in 2021. Confirmed cases mean a qualified Real Turf Solutions inspector personally saw armyworms first-hand at one or more properties in the area.

This map shows which communities we encountered armyworms in around Middle Georgia in 2021. Some communities have had more than one case of them.

So far, we've treated armyworm infestations in Fort Valley, Byron, Warner Robins, Bonaire, Kathleen, and Cochran. Our weed control and turf management service department can perform emergency treatments for infestations such as armyworms.

If you encounter armyworms or similar turf-eating pests in your lawn... 

1. Contact our office immediately. If you wait to "see what it looks like in a day or two," you may find it looks like your grass is all gone.
2. Let them know that you have an active infestation consuming your grass and need an emergency pesticide application ASAP.
3. Try to take a clear, close up photo of one of the pests in your lawn. Have it available to send to our team when you call so we can identify it and apply the proper pesticide product.

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