What Are Armyworms?

Armyworms (yes, that’s spelled correctly, we checked) aren’t actually soldiers, but they do march in formation… Right across your beautiful lawn. These little green-to-black caterpillars (the evil alter egos of totally harmless white moths) can strip a yard faster than your dog can find a mud puddle.

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is especially notorious for hitting Kansas turf .

Armyworms lay massive clusters of eggs that hatch into hungry, stripy caterpillars about ½ to 1½ inches long. Look for those signature Y-shaped markings on their heads, kind of like a grubby little helmet.

Signs You’ve Got an Armyworm Infestation on Your Lawn

• Rapidly appearing brown patches that seem to spread overnight

• Grass that’s been chewed down to the stems

• Birds having a buffet on your lawn, they know armyworms taste better than your neighbor’s barbecue

• If you get on your hands and knees out in your yard, you might spot caterpillars with stripes running along their sides and that Y-shaped head.

Learn more about armyworms from these resources .