Tips to Control Fall ArmyWorms
The fall months are just about here which means scouting our gardens and doing some inspections for garden insect pests that are active, One such insect to keep an eye out for is fall armyworms. These garden pests have no preference and will do damage to farmlands, plant nurseries, other plant growers, and even the home garden, if control measures are not implemented fall armyworms will reduce the beauty of a healthy garden.
If your garden has ever fallen prey to fall armyworms and you want to safeguard your plants against these pests by striking back then we can help you to accomplish this as we discuss how to control fall armyworms.
How to Identify Fall ArmyWorms
The moth or adult has brown or grey forewing and white hind wing, the eggs are pale yellow and form a mass on the (Foliage) or leaves and are covered with a layer of a substance that has the resembling of silk.
The larvae of the fall armyworm have a dark head with an upside-down pale Y-shaped marking, and four black spots aligned in a square on the last segment of the body near the back are clearly visible.
Signs of Fall ArmyWorm Damage
To know if fall armyworms are the culprit when inspecting your garden plants look for these signs, look for fall armyworm eggs (eggs are pale yellow and form a mass on the ( Foliage) or leaves and are covered with a layer of a substance that has the resembeling of silk).
Signs that small caterpillars are feeding are leaves (armyworms feeding) that have pinhole or window pane damage, droppings, frass or excrement, and leaves that are torn and ragged. Pupae can be found in the soil.
A good place to also look for fall armyworms is to locate the youngest or newest two to three leaves emerging from the funnel, this is the area where moths lay their eggs, and caterpillars love to feed.
How to Prevent Fall AmyWorms
- Putting preventive measures in place can assist with controlling the fall armyworm population, a garden that’s properly maintained is not only visually pleasing and attractive but can help in the control of garden insect pests as well as disease. The removal of weeds, dead plant material, and other objects, cleaning up leaves and fallen fruits that insect pests use as a harbourage
- Biologically control fall armyworms by introducing beneficial insects into the garden, lacewings and ladybugs feed on the eggs of fall armyworms, to attract beneficial insects into your garden grow a variety of flowering plants that grow at different times during the season for example, marigolds, goldenrod, sunflowers, yarrow, sweet alyssum, cosmos, butterfly weed, etc…
In case you missed it here is how to Attract or Introduce Beneficial insects into Your Fall Garden
- How To Release Beneficial Insects in Your Fall Garden
- How To Attract Beneficial Insects To Your Fall Garden
How to Control Fall AmyWorms
1. Mechanical Control:: Hand picking and throwing worms in a bucket of soapy water is a great way to bring control, this may be a little tedious but it’s a safe approach.
2. Chemical Control: The use of chemicals can be fast acting but be very careful when using chemicals, and overuse can do more harm than good. Before applying chemicals read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) however is considered to be a natural organic and is safe to use to bring fall armyworm control.
3 Other Chemicals that can be Used: OrthoBug-B-GoneInsect killer, neem oil, Azadirachtin sprays, horticultural oil, spinosad spray, etc…
Caution
Before applying chemicals ensure that it’s safe to be used around humans and pets.
The final word on how to control armyworms
Fall armyworms can do serious damage if control measures are not taken Cool season grasses the blades of pastures grasses agriculture crops all serve as nesting sites or harbourage of these insect pests. The good news is if they are discovered taking action immediately will bring control. Following this guide will assist you in accomplishing this.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.