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RALEIGH, N.C. - According to Rick Brandenburg, turfgrass entomologist, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., this week is the earliest that fall armyworms have ever been found in eastern North Carolina. As a result, Brandenburg warns all lawn care operators to keep an eye out for this insect since it may pose a "real problem this year," he says. "They do not overwinter here in North Carolina, so this means they are getting a big head start."
All turf locations including golf courses, home lawns, sod farms, newly-laid sod, and anywhere else that includes turf is at risk. "Remember that fall armyworms often lay their eggs on shrubs, fence posts, signs and other objects," Brandenburg says. "And their movement and/or damage often begins at the edge of the turfgrass. A dry summer will make the problem more serious."
To get ahead of the problem, lawn care operators should inspect turf closely over the next summer and fall. "Use a soapy water drench to bring the worms to the surface," Brandenburg advises. "Larger worms feed more early in the morning and late evening to avoid being picked off by birds. Treating late in the day is often beneficial."
Overall, Brandenburg says "this is not nearly the infestation we have seen in recent years, but fall armyworms appearing this early can still can be very damaging."
For more information, visit www.turffiles.ncsu.edu.
The author is managing editor of Lawn & Landscape and can be reached at nwisniewski@gie.net.