Armyworm Control

If you have sections of your lawn turning brown or thinning without an obvious cause, armyworms could be responsible. These lawn-damaging pests feed on grass blades and can quickly leave healthy turf looking stressed and unhealthy.

Armyworms are commonly found in Florida during periods of warm weather and increased moisture. While they are not harmful to people or pets, large populations can cause extensive yard damage in a short amount of time.

At Sorko Lawn and Pest Control, we offer professional lawn pest control services to help detect infestations, reduce pest activity, and protect your lawn from further damage.

What Are Armyworms?

Armyworms are the caterpillar stage of several moth species that feed on turfgrass and other vegetation. Although their name suggests they travel in organized groups, they actually spread across lawns individually while feeding, often creating the appearance of a moving “army.”

The fall armyworm is one of the most common species responsible for lawn damage. Warm temperatures allow these pests to thrive, and large infestations can quickly damage healthy grass.

During the day, armyworms usually remain hidden among the grass. They become more active in the evening, at night, or during cooler periods, making them difficult to detect until lawn damage becomes obvious.

Where Are Armyworms Found?

Armyworms are found throughout Florida, where warm temperatures and abundant vegetation create ideal conditions for feeding and reproduction. They commonly infest residential lawns, commercial landscapes, golf courses, athletic fields, agricultural areas, and a variety of turfgrasses, including:

• St. Augustine grass
• Bermuda grass
• Bahia grass
• Zoysia grass
• Other turf and ornamental grasses

Florida’s warm climate allows armyworms to remain active for much of the year, with infestations often becoming more noticeable during periods of increased rainfall and high humidity.

What Do Armyworms Eat?

Armyworms feed on grass blades and other plant material above the soil surface. Unlike lawn pests that attack roots, they damage turf by consuming the visible portions of the grass, leaving it thin and weakened.

As they grow, their appetite increases significantly. Large populations can quickly strip healthy lawns of foliage, causing brown patches and thinning turf in just a few days. They commonly feed on residential lawns, pasture grasses, ornamental plants, and agricultural crops.

Because armyworms can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time, identifying an infestation early and treating it promptly is the best way to help protect your lawn.

Are Armyworms Dangerous?

Armyworms are not dangerous to people or pets. They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, they can become a major lawn pest when large numbers are present.

The biggest concern  is the damage they cause to grass and landscaping. Severe infestations can leave lawns with large areas of thinning or dead-looking turf that may require additional lawn care to recover.

While a small number of armyworms may not cause noticeable problems, larger populations can quickly impact the appearance and health of your lawn.

When Is Armyworm Season in Florida?

Armyworms are most active when warm temperatures and moisture create favorable conditions for growth and reproduction. In Florida, activity can occur for much of the year, but infestations are often more common during the late summer and fall months.

Fall armyworms are especially problematic because they can develop quickly and cause noticeable lawn damage in a short amount of time. Heavy rainfall, warm temperatures, and lush grass growth can create ideal conditions for populations to increase.

Because armyworm infestations can develop rapidly, regular lawn inspections are important during peak activity periods. Catching the problem early can help prevent widespread turf damage and make treatment more effective.

What Does Armyworm Damage Look Like?

Armyworm damage can sometimes be mistaken for drought stress, disease, or other lawn problems. Knowing what to look for can help identify an infestation before the damage becomes severe. Common signs of include:

• Brown or Thinning Grass: Armyworms remove grass blades as they feed, leaving behind damaged areas of turf.
• Chewed Grass Blades: Damaged grass may appear uneven, ragged, or shorter than surrounding areas.
• Visible Caterpillars: Armyworms may be found moving through grass, especially during early morning, evening, or nighttime hours.
• Bird Activity: Increased bird activity in your lawn can be a sign that birds are feeding on armyworm larvae.
• Small Droppings in Grass: Dark specks known as frass may appear where armyworms are actively feeding.

If you notice these signs, a closer inspection can help determine whether armyworms are responsible for the damage.

How to Prevent Armyworms

Keeping your lawn healthy and watching for early signs of armyworm activity are important steps in preventing serious damage. While it may not be possible to completely avoid an infestation, proper lawn care and routine inspections can help reduce the risk. You can help protect your lawn by:

• Maintaining Healthy Turf: Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization can help your grass better withstand pest damage.
• Removing Excess Thatch: Thick layers of thatch can create hiding areas for pests and make it more difficult to identify lawn problems.
• Inspecting Your Lawn Regularly: Check for signs of feeding damage or caterpillar activity, especially during peak armyworm season.
• Monitoring Problem Areas: Lawns that have experienced armyworm issues in the past should be checked more frequently for new activity.
• Addressing Problems Early: Treating an infestation when armyworms are young can help prevent more serious lawn damage.

How to Get Rid of Armyworms

Getting rid of armyworms starts with recognizing the signs of an infestation and treating the problem as quickly as possible. Because these pests feed on grass blades, properly timed applications can help control larvae before extensive damage occurs.

Many homeowners begin with DIY treatments, but larger infestations often require a more comprehensive approach. Armyworm development, infestation levels, and environmental conditions can all affect treatment effectiveness.

The BMP-certified technicians at Sorko Lawn and Pest Control have the knowledge and experience to identify armyworm infestations and deliver targeted treatments that help restore and protect healthy lawns.

When Should You Call Armyworm Exterminators?

Armyworm infestations can escalate rapidly, making early treatment essential for protecting your lawn. If the damage is becoming widespread or difficult to manage, professional armyworm exterminators can help. You should consider scheduling a service if you notice:

• Large Brown or Thinning Areas: Widespread patches of brown or thinning grass may indicate that armyworms are feeding on your lawn.
• Visible Armyworms: Seeing multiple armyworms crawling through your grass is a strong sign of an active infestation.
• Rapidly Spreading Damage: If lawn damage seems to expand from one day to the next, armyworms may be actively feeding across your property.
• Recurring Infestations: Armyworms that return season after season may require professional treatment to achieve effective control.
• Ineffective DIY Treatments: If over-the-counter products have not stopped the infestation, it may be time to seek professional help.

Early treatment is one of the best ways to prevent armyworm damage from becoming more severe and to help avoid costly lawn repairs. Should your turf become heavily damaged, restoring your lawn may require both pest control and lawn care services. Our team can help with both.

Professional Armyworm Control From Sorko Lawn and Pest Control

When you trust us with your lawn, you get more than a one-time treatment. You get experienced service backed by proven practices and guarantees:

• Our Insect Damage Replacement Guarantee: We stand behind our work and provide confidence that your lawn is receiving dependable pest control solutions.
• Effective Pest Control Products: We use high-quality products designed to target armyworms and help protect your lawn from further damage.
• Routine Quality Inspections: Our managers perform monthly quality control inspections to ensure our services meet the standards we promise.
• Detailed Service Reports: Our BMP-certified technicians provide detailed reports outlining activity, treatment recommendations, and solutions for your lawn.
• Environmentally Responsible Practices: We follow environmentally conscious guidelines, including responsible fertilizer practices and compliance with local lawn care regulations.
• Trusted Industry Memberships: As members of the Better Business Bureau and the Florida Pest Management Association, we are committed to providing dependable service and exceeding customer expectations.

We believe effective armyworm control requires addressing the entire problem, not just the visible damage. Our comprehensive treatments target active infestations while helping protect your lawn.

Protect Your Lawn From Armyworms Today

A healthy lawn can quickly become damaged when armyworms are present. If you notice signs of feeding damage, thinning grass, or increased pest activity, taking action early can help prevent more extensive problems.

Sorko Lawn and Pest Control provides professional lawn pest services throughout Florida to help homeowners protect their outdoor spaces. Contact us today for a free estimate and discover how our armyworm control services can help protect your lawn from damage and keep your turf healthy and attractive.