You Are Here: Management Updates 2006 Archive June 15, 2006

Date: June 15, 2006
Category: Insects
Subject: Armyworms Active in Ohio

A report from Ohio indicates that armyworms have been active in the northwestern part of that state, attacking wheat and corn fields as well as some fine turf areas.

Many of you will remember that turf managers in New England encountered very high populations of armyworm caterpillars in the summer of 2001. Armyworm moths apparently flew (or were blown) into New England from areas south and west of here in early June, and laid eggs. The resulting caterpillar explosion was truly remarkable. In many areas, you could not take a step without crushing at least one caterpillar on the surface, and there were even more "out of sight". Many lawns and native turf areas were severely pruned by the voracious caterpillars.

Please be on the watch for armyworm aactivity. The caterpillars are very dark (usually described as black or navy blue) and have several lighter colored stripes that run the length of the body. Two characteristics are quite "diagnostic": 1) the head looks "honey-combed", with a light and dark shade of brown, and 2) the point where the fleshy legs meet the body on the abdomen is very dark.

Please let us know if you see any armyworms. And remember, just because they are active in Ohio, that does not necessarily mean that we will have an invasion here this year. Just keep your eyes open! Armyworms are not picky - they will feed on any kind of grassy material, whether on lawns, cemeteries, parks, athletic fields, or golf courses. So just keep your eyes open! Eary detection is the key. Once the caterpillars are more than a half inch long, it is very difficult to manage them.

Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum

DISCLAIMER - As always, it is the responsibility of the applicator to verify the registration status of any pesticide BEFORE applying it. Different states have different regulations as well. The author and the University of Massachusetts are not liable for any consequences of any pesticide "recommendations". Mention of any trade name is not to be considered endorsement of a product.

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