Every three to five years, armyworms emerge across our region and throughout Tennessee as they feed on leaves and grass, causing widespread damage to lawns in Kingsport. And this year, armyworms are worse than before. As if these worms weren’t bad enough, they eventually turn into moths that lay even more eggs and attract other pests. Unfortunately, armyworms can completely destroy a single lawn within 24 hours. What should homeowners do? Well, today on the blog, we share ways to combat Armyworms in Kingsport and protect your lawn from pest invasion. Plus, learn what you should do if armyworms have already destroyed your grass.
What to Look For
As with any pest problem, the sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can remedy it and prevent a total infestation. You might have armyworms if you notice small brown patches of grass or if the damage is more widespread and happens suddenly. Armyworms also leave evidence of chew marks in which grass blades may appear jagged or rough. The grass may also be sheared to ground level, leaving bare spots on your lawn. Armyworms also attract other animals and pests like starlings, skunks, and rodents. If you spot more of these animals than usual, they could be feasting on armyworm larva.
How to Get Rid of Armyworms
If you discover an armyworm problem on your lawn, act fast! Adult female armyworms can lay as many as 2,000 eggs that hatch within two to three days. The best way to get rid of armyworms on your lawn is to hire a pro landscaper to apply a suitable insecticide. Our Kingsport landscapers caution DIY insecticide application as store-bought solutions are not as powerful or could be dangerous or damage your lawn if not applied correctly. At Promier Landscapes, our pros know just how to treat armyworms on various types of lawns, whether you have Fescue, Bermuda, Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Zoysia, or other common grass types in Tennessee.
How to Prevent Armyworms
If you’re one of the lucky homeowners that haven’t experienced armyworms, you can still act to protect your lawn.
Follow these tips to prevent armyworms in Tennessee
- Aerate your lawn and remove thatch buildup, which can harbor armyworms, other pests, and mildew.
- Ensure your lawn receives plenty of water if it isn’t raining. Armyworms prefer dry conditions. Lawns need about one inch of water a week, including rainfall. Regularly watering also lowers the soil temperature, making it less inviting to armyworms.
- Mow your grass no shorter than two inches in height.
- Keep weeds to a minimum by applying a weed killer when it is appropriate.
- Fertilize your lawn as part of scheduled maintenance for your lawn.
- Check for armyworms regularly. The earlier you spot them, the easier it is to treat.
Armyworm Treatment for Kingsport Lawns
Armyworms have been challenging for property owners this month. Unfortunately, if not caught in time, these pests can completely destroy your lawn. If that is the case for you, a complete reseed may be necessary. At Promier Landscapes, we understand the frustration of many home and business owners during this season of armyworm invasion. We have received many calls about lawn treatments for armyworms in Kingsport and are happy to help. If you would like to schedule an assessment or treatment for armyworms in the Tri-Cities, please call Promier Landscapes at (423) 872-2988.