Armyworms are the larvae stage of a moth, and many insecticide treatments can help rid your lawn of armyworms, but they do not control moths in their adult stage. Most insecticides do not last more than 2-4 weeks therefore the moths can fly in and re-infest your lawn if you do not use a long lasting systemic type insecticide. Their life cycle is up to a month.
Moths usually lay their eggs on grass or plants, but they also can be brought in on sod or landscape plants, or by other means. They usually reach South Carolina around July 1st.
Armyworms are usually green and smaller than the brown or gray sod webworms. Armyworms almost always eat Zoysia and Bermuda grass, but can eat other grasses as well. Sod webworms on the other hand almost always eat St Augustine grass. These insects eat the leaf itself and the rest of the grass will come back if treated in time.
Lawn Doctor uses a systemic insecticide that last all season when applied properly and at the right time, which is from June-August. You can treat them anytime during the year if needed but a summer application is best. To treat your lawn for armyworms call Lawn Doctor of Charleston today!
