Fall armyworms pose potential threat to region

It is that time of year when fall armyworms start making their way into west Tennessee as they migrate from southern Texas and Florida. These pests pose a risk to Bermuda grass and pasture lands.

“Armyworms will make their way into southern counties [in Tennessee] first and then move up through the state into Kentucky,” Sebe Brown, Extension specialist and researcher in the UT Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, explained. 

Brown is part of the team at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. He stressed that fall armyworms pose a higher risk and are detrimental to newly-laid sod, especially what was laid this summer. Brown added that established lawns stand a better chance against damage from the insect.

The best way to determine if fall armyworms have established themselves in yards and pasture lands is to walk the property, Brown shared.

“Go walking out in your yard. If you physically see grass that has a frosted appearance, that is the initial symptom. Grass will have a translucent appearance if there is a potential problem. Scout pasture grass to look for those signs,” Brown explained.

“Another indication is large congregations of birds. Birds feed on insects and having a lot of birds in one area is a sign that there may be a large presence of fall armyworms,” Brown added.

The entomologist said fall armyworms primarily like to feed on Bermudagrasses but will feed on most any grasses if given the opportunity.

According to information provided by the UTIA, the armyworm is the caterpillar of the fall armyworm moth and feeds primarily on grass, fresh sod, hay fields and, on rare occasion, summer and fall crops. An armyworm’s life span is about 12 days, with the last couple of days being the period when they eat the most.

If a homeowner or farmer discovers the presence of fall armyworms in yards or pastures, the next step is to contact their local county Ag Extension agent. In Madison County, that number is 731-668-8543. Local agents can make recommendations for treatment. While treatments are available from home and garden or agriculture supply stores, there isn’t a recommendation for prevention of fall armyworms.

Sabrina Bates, sabrina@richardsonmediagroup.net