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Homeowners around the state are battling armyworms following rains and cooler weather, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. The summer’s historic hot, dry conditions followed by a notably wet September produced the perfect conditions for the area’s current infestation of fall army worms. The creatures love to forage on grass lawns and a variety of agricultural crops.
“The fall armyworm is a common pest of Bermuda grass and many other crops in Texas”, said Vanessa Corriher-Olson, AgriLife Extension forage specialist, Overton. “Given their appetite, numbers and ability to move, fall armyworms can consume entire fields or pastures in a few days.”
“Usually we have an armyworm outbreak when you have a rain after a dry period,” McLennan County AgriLife Extension agent Shane McLellan said.
“They’re rapidly moving across the fields. That’s where they get the name of armyworm, because it’s kind of like a troop marching. The small, striped caterpillars are not rare in this area, but the scale of the infestation is”, McLellan said.
A normal fall armyworm invasion is evident when two to three insects appear in a given square foot. Lately, farmers have reported seeing 10 to 15 caterpillars per square foot. “The main threat right now is army worms,” he said. “People want to plant oats for grazing but then it emerges and comes up 2 to 3 inches and they (army worms) eat it. . They prefer fresh new growth. That’s their favorite.”
Tommy Layne of Layne Professional Services recommends spray treating a pasture or lawns when there are three or more armyworms per square foot. Armyworms in those numbers should be treated immediately because armyworm caterpillars consume 85 percent of their diet in the last two to three days of their larvae stage. “Armyworms take over lawns and gardens. Proper treatment is critical in preventing major damage from these pests.”
Layne also indicated that fire ants are on the move and termites are active. It is important to take care of these pests and be pro-active on treatments during these periods of high activity. If you have noticed these pests in your yard, garden, or crops, Layne’s Professional Services can eradicate these insects before they become a significant problem. For more information on the company and services provided, please visit the company website: https://laynesprofessionalservices.com
Release ID: 414744