Defend Your Lawn from Armyworms this Fall

With fall comes new varieties of pests and vermin, and yes, Orlando does indeed have it’s own set of seasons. They just seem a bit subdued compared to the wild swings of northern areas. One critter that particularly loves the Central Florida area, and its many bountiful lawns, is called the armyworm. It’s a great name, but fairly inaccurate, as armyworms are a type of caterpillar that blossoms into a large brownish moth. And they can be a bit difficult to get rid of, so if you suspect an armyworm invasion, it may be a good idea to call the experts in Orlando pest control at Apex.

Armyworms (scientific name, Mythimna unipuncta) are fairly large creatures as full-grown moths, with a wingspan of nearly 2 inches, but it’s not the moth version you need to worry about. In their caterpillar stage, armyworms are voracious eaters who particularly enjoy blades of grass. A swarm of this particular pest, which has been reported in agricultural settings, can wipe out crops quickly. And on your Orlando area lawn, they can quickly create brown patches with their ability to cut down and feast on a variety of Florida grass.

Not only that, but their lifecycle allows them to continue on with this routine for as long as there is a reliable food source: the female caterpillars lay thousands of eggs at once. These become more troublesome caterpillars in a mere 10 days time, and on it goes. So identifying them early and often is important. This is easiest to do in the morning hours or very late in the afternoon when they become most active.

Armyworms leave identifiable destruction to most grass in the form of brown patches and dead grass. They are especially impressive at taking down newly laid sod and grass that is watered (or fertilized) often. It’s often, within this damage, difficult to find the actual caterpillars themselves, as they move quickly onto new food sources and untouched parts of your lawn. But the wizards at Apex, your Orlando pest control headquarters, have years of experience dealing with this particular fall nuisance and can act quickly and efficiently. If you suspect you may have an armyworm issue, contact Apex at (866) 675-4070. We offer a free, no obligation quote and visit and will always get back to you within 24 hours.