Farm Scene for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

October 7, 2002

     Besides the dry weather, destructive worms are contributing to fall lawn damage.  Fall army worms are devastating lawns across the state, and Rowan County is not immune. I have had quite a few calls from overly depressed homeowners complaining that their lawn looked very good one day and the next day the lawn is completely dead.   According to many lawn care professionals, the inch-and-a-half long green worms can quickly destroy a yard. It seems the lawns hardest hit are those that were newly seeded this fall.

     Dr. Rick Brandenburg, a turf entomologist North Carolina State University , said the worms are more destructive than normal because of the mild winter and the drought. Brandenburg comments that “they start feeding on the leaves and they'll basically all most gnaw it completely back to the soil level.

     There is one simple way to check for army worm infestation. Take a bucket of water, add a couple of tablespoons of liquid dish washer detergent and pour it over an area about 3 by 3 feet. If you have fall army worms, they hate the soapy water and will come scrambling to the surface. Flocks of birds may also sign that the worms are present.

     Outbreaks of the armyworm are characterized by their sudden appearance and disappearance so control may not be practical. But, if you can catch them early the larvae can be controlled with sprays of liquid Sevin 50 percent wettable powder will work. Other sprays of Orthene, diazinon or Conserve will also control the pest.  Natural factors such as parasites and diseases usually kept armyworm populations in check, but outbreaks do occur after during prolonged droughts.

     Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County . For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com or e mail Darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.