I have been hearing more reports about fall armyworm (FAW) sightings this summer than in the last few years. There have been positively identified worms throughout the Southeast. It is time to be vigilant and track areas of turf that turn brown overnight.

The upside is that if you run into an infestation, all is not lost. There are a couple of critical steps to be taken early on to prevent complete devastation. First confirm the presence of FAW with a soap flush. It is best to do this on the edges or transition area between the damaged areas and the unaffected. If you do not remember how to perform the soap test click here - Soap Flush Test. They will feed on most grasses, with Bermudagrass being one of their favorites.

Stop the March!

Contact insecticides, particularly synthetic pyrethroids, are highly active on FAW if applied properly. These include Talstar, Bifen and many others but there are some keys to success:

• • You must use a spray formulation, granular materials will yield little control
  • Apply late in the afternoon or early in the evening and hold irrigation for one night. These invaders are night feeders!
  • Wait 24 hours then keep the affected areas irrigated and do not allow them to dry.
  • Plan a fertilizer application with at least 50% slow-release nitrogen, not stabilized nitrogen                                                  

Once the feeding is stopped the turf should respond provided the steps above are followed.

Lean on Us for Turf & Ornamental Solutions

Contact Ewing’s Tech Team, if you have any questions and for more information on grub control and other turf questions. Email Kevin Lewis at klewis@ewingos.com or call/text 480-669-8791. We are happy to help.