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If you have army worms in your garden, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them. Here are a few tips on how to treat army worms and keep them from coming back.
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Introduction
Army worms are the caterpillar stage of several species of moths. The moths are brown or black, and the caterpillars vary in color from green to almost black. Army worms are often mistaken for cutworms, which are a different type of caterpillar. All of these pests are voracious feeders and can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens if left unchecked.
While army worms do not usually survive the winter in most parts of the country, they can be a problem in late summer and early fall when they migrate northward in search of food. Outbreaks of army worms often occur after periods of heavy rain or flooding.
What are Army Worms?
Army worms are caterpillars that can decimate a lawn in a matter of days. The adult moths are attracted to lawns that are stressed by drought or other factors, and they lay their eggs in the grass. The eggs hatch and the caterpillars begin to feed, quickly stripping the grass of its leaves. Army worms can destroy a lawn in just a few days, so it’s important to act fast if you think your lawn is infested.
There are several ways to treat army worms, but the most important thing is to identify them early and take action immediately. Here are a few tips on how to treat army worms:
-Mow your lawn regularly and remove any dead grass or leaves from your lawn to reduce the risk of infestation.
-If you see army worms on your lawn, treat them with an insecticide designed specifically for caterpillars. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
-If you have a severe infestation, you may need to call an exterminator.
The Life Cycle of Army Worms
The life cycle of army worms is fascinating. These pests go through four distinct stages in their development – egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of leaves or on other protected surfaces. They hatch within a few days, and the tiny caterpillars begin to feed voraciously. Armyworm caterpillars go through five stages of growth, or instars. They shed their skin between each stage.
As they grow, armyworms increase in size and change color. Early instars are light green with a dark stripe running down their backs. Later instars may be brown, yellowish green or nearly black, with light-colored stripes running lengthwise down their sides. Armyworms reach full size – about 1½ inches long – during their final instar.
Once they have completed their growth, armyworms spin cocoons and pupate inside them. Adult moths emerge from the cocoons after 7 to 14 days. They have slender brown bodies and wings that are marked with dark and light bands. The front wings of the females are slightly larger than those of the males.
The Different Types of Army Worms
There are numerous species of army worms, all from the larval stage of different types of moths. The adult moths can vary in color, but the larvae are usually a bright green, with a brown or black head. The different types of army worms include:
-Spodoptera exigua, or the common armyworm
-Spodoptera frugiperda, or the fall armyworm
-Spodoptera ornithogalli, or the yellow-striped armyworm
– Pseudaletia unipuncta, or the true armyworm
Army worms can cause extensive damage to crops, particularly when they occur in large numbers. In agricultural settings, farmers will often use chemicals to control them; however, this is not an option for those who are growing crops organically. If you have found army worms in your garden or on your farm, there are a few different ways that you can get rid of them without resorting to chemicals.
The Damage Caused by Army Worms
Armyworms cause extensive damage to crops, particularly grasses and cereals. The caterpillars strip plants of their leaves, leaving only the stalks. This can destroy a crop in a matter of days.
In addition to the damage they cause to crops, armyworms can also be a nuisance to homeowners. The caterpillars are often found in lawns and gardens, where they eat leaves and flowers. Armyworms can also invade homes, where they will eat fabric and paper.
How to Prevent Army Worms
Army Worms are the larvae of army moths. The adult army moths are brown or gray and have a wingspan of one and a half inches. The larvae, or army worms, are one and a half to two inches long and can vary in color from light green to almost black. Army worms get their name because they travel in large groups, or armies, consuming everything in their path. They are often mistaken for caterpillars, but there are some key differences between the two insects. Caterpillars have four pairs of legs, while army worms have only three pairs of legs. In addition, when you look at a caterpillar from the side, you will see bumps sticking out along its sides. These bumps are absent on army worms.
How to Treat Army Worms
Armyworms are the caterpillars of certain types of moths. The pests get their name from their habit of marching across fields in large numbers, devouring everything in their path. Armyworms are serious pests of turfgrass, corn, sorghum, rice, small grains, vegetables, and other crops. If you have armyworms in your garden or on your lawn, you’ll need to take steps to get rid of them quickly before they cause serious damage.
There are a few different ways to treat armyworms depending on the severity of the infestation. For light infestations, you can hand-pick the caterpillars and drop them into soapy water to kill them. If there are too many caterpillars to pick by hand, you can try using a strong stream of water from a hose to knock them off plants and disrupt their feeding. This method works best on young caterpillars that haven’t had a chance to do too much damage yet.
For more severe infestations, you’ll need to resort to chemical controls. There are a number of different insecticides that will work to kill armyworms, but you’ll need to make sure you choose one that is labeled for use on the specific type of plant that is infested. You’ll also need to carefully follow the instructions on the label for safe and effective application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, armyworms can be a devastating pest of turfgrass, but there are several ways to effectively treat them. Be sure to scout your lawn regularly and take action as soon as you see signs of infestation. Treating armyworms early is the key to preventing serious damage to your turf.
